Indigenous House University of Toronto Scarborough
Services
Key Personnel
Project Overview
After consultation with a range of Indigenous stakeholders, the University of Toronto set out to build a visible dedicated space at their Scarborough campus where Indigenous culture can be shared and celebrated. Inspired by the wigwam, the Indigenous House will serve to honour the lands and traditions of Indigenous communities, as well as support intercultural dialogue and learning.
Partially buried in the earth, the building will exemplify Indigenous cultural values with a focus on scholarship and the revitalization of endangered Indigenous languages. It will provide space for teaching, research, reflection and ceremony for Indigenous students, faculty and staff, as well as the non-Indigenous campus community. Acting as a landmark for Indigenous identity, the House will provide opportunities for all students to learn about Indigenous culture, place making, traditions and stories.
MTE’s Involvement
In order to help bring this space to life, our team is providing civil engineering services including the detailed grading, servicing and stormwater management design for Site Plan Approval and Building Permit. The 1,250-m2 structure is located at the top of a bank with a wide panorama of forested ravines, providing optimal views for gathering spaces on the second floor.
What once had been the site of a parking lot for surrounding university buildings, is soon to become a two-storey facility, equipped with underground infrastructure, parking, gardens and landscaping. Construction is set to begin this summer and our team will be providing contract administration and inspection services for the site works.
Our team is honoured to contribute to the development of this iconic space that will help foster partnerships and reconciliation.
