construction update

February 2009

The beginnings of construction related to SAIT’s new Trades and Technology Complex will soon be visible on our campus. 

When completed in 2012, the Trades and Technology Complex will deliver approximately 740,000 square feet of new space on campus enabling SAIT to significantly boost its capacity to deliver training in the areas of Energy, Construction and Manufacturing and Automation. The Complex will have a positive impact on all areas of SAIT.

The Complex will feature an exciting open design concept for SAIT along 16th Avenue where the Murdoch Parkade is now positioned.  Construction will also result in the B (east) Wing of the Thomas Riley Building, the Colonel Walker Building and the Q Shops in the Eugene Coste Building being demolished for building sites.

As you would expect, considerable consultation has taken place and will continue with schools, departments and other key stakeholders affected by upcoming construction. Please be assured that every effort is being made to minimize inconvenience to students, staff and campus operations. That said, the next year will require a series of interim moves (called ‘decanting’) that are unavoidable given the impact of this project on the Riley and Walker buildings – and SAIT’s Q-Shops and Distribution Centre. 

As well, a portion of the P3 visitor parking lot (located in the North West corner of the campus) will be closed beginning in April, 2009.  That space will become the site of three temporary structures that will serve as the interim home for some programs and services to be relocated. In addition, others will be moved to existing buildings on the main campus or to a satellite location.

Details regarding decanting will be communicated once the plan is finalized. Going forward, regular information sessions will ensure you are kept informed in a timely manner and have opportunities to provide feedback throughout the various milestones in the journey of making the new Complex a reality.