While Mississauga is best known for its charismatic mayor and the suburban dream planning legacy, top tier education is changing the role of the city in the growing GTHA region. At the University of Toronto Missussauga two new building projects are underway to attract the best and brightest minds and lead the way in the new economy. By 2017 the university is expecting its enrollment to swell from 12,500 to 15,000 students. To service the growing student population new facilities are badly needed.

Innovation Complex blossoms from the 5 Minute Walk path by Moriyama & Teshima Architects for University of Toronto Mississauga

North Building Reconstruction by Perkins+Will for University of Toronto Mississauga

More than over 40 years after its opening its doors, UTM is firstly reconstructing the building where it all began. Designed by Perkins+Will, the North Building Reconstruction will turn the western wing of the campus' first building into a state of the art 5,000 square metre educational facility.

Work continues at the north side of North Building Reconstruction, image by Brandon Leal

The 4-storey building will house the Mathematics and Computational Sciences and Psychology departments. With class sizes of 15 to 100 seats, programming can be fine tuned for the best student experience. The $58 million project is being funded by the University and with a generous grant of $41 million from the Province of Ontario.

Interior atrium of the North Building Reconstruction, image courtesy of University of Toronto Mississauga

The new building, scheduled to open in September 2014, will also host a new study space for students, improved food services and new open spaces for student gathering. In addition, new rehearsal spaces are being added for the Drama and Theatre programs with regular productions being showcased in the neighbouring Erindale Studio Theatre.

Concrete super structure of new North Building Reconstruction, image by Bradnon Leal

Construction is already well underway with the concrete superstructure mostly completed and cladding work due to commence in the near future. Despite the year left until completion, a committee has already been set up to work out the reconstruction of the remaining portions of the North Building.

Overhead render of the new UTM Innovation Complex, image courtesy of University of Toronto Mississauga

A short walk away brings another addition to UTM's growing campus. The new Innovation Complex, designed by Moriyama & Teshima, will serve as an integrated expansion of the Kaneff Centre and be home to the Management and Economics Departments. A new Institute for Management and Innovation (IMI) will also be housed in the Innovation Complex, with an emphasis on new management models, entrepreneurship and innovative thinking.

Central Rotunda in he UTM Innovation Complex, image courtesy of University of Toronto Mississauga

The $35 million, 6,300 square metre structure will stand 3 storeys tall with an underground tunnel connection to the neighbouring William G. Davis Building. The centrepeice of the new complex will be the new central Rotunda, an open space for social gatherings, guest speakers and special events.

Auger onsite for Innovation Complex construction, image by Brandon Leal

Surrounding this space will be a series of classrooms and a new Registrar's Office to serve the growing student body. Shoring work and excavation on the site are well underway, and construction is expected to move quickly to meet the September 2014 opening date.

Construction site for the Innovation Complex, image by Brandon Leal

Kaneff Centre connection to the new Innovation Complex, imgae courtesy of University of Toronto Mississauga

A naming contest is being held for the North Building Reconstruction and honorary philanthropists and donors are invited to help fund the remaining costs of the prestigious new buildings at the growing university.

As the University of Toronto Mississauga continues to expand and attract more students, UrbanToronto will keep you up to date. To learn more about these projects, check out our dataBase entries below and head into our assosicated Forum threads, or leave a comment in the space provided to be part of the conversation. 

Note: The cost of the Innovation Complex has been corrected. The article originally stated $53 million.