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Architecture to Showcase Cross-Laminated Timber

Architecture to Showcase Cross-Laminated Timber

August 27, 2012 - A provincial investment of $350,000 through the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE) will help to fund the incorporation of cross-laminated timber technology, or CLT, in the construction of Laurentian University’s School of Architecture.  The CRIBE grant will allow Laurentian Architecture to showcase the first significant use of cross-laminated timber in a public building in Ontario.

An engineered wood product, CLT is made by gluing and pressing together successive layers of spruce, pine or fir 2x4s or 2x6s to form large solid blocks or sheets that can be precision-trimmed to specific purposes.  CLT manufactured products can be used as walls, floors and roof panels in building construction.  CLT construction is now being widely used in Europe, and is increasingly seen in taller wooden structures in the United States and in British Columbia. 

“The possibilities created by CLT really are exciting from the architectural point of view,” said Laurentian Architecture’s Founding Director, Dr. Terrance Galvin.  “This innovation in materials fits perfectly with our focus on green and sustainable building techniques, as well as our commitment to northern and Canadian design.”

“We are thrilled by CRIBE’s support for this forward-looking initiative,” said Laurentian Vice-President, Administration, Carol McAulay. “We wanted Laurentian Architecture to speak to a future generation of designers and architects, and this generous investment will help us realize that vision.”

In making the announcement today, Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci called it a “great boost, not only for Laurentian Architecture, but for Ontario’s forest industry.”

“Our government has and will continue to work to support this important sector. This is good news for the lumber producers and manufacturers across northern Ontario and beyond, as we explore new and innovative techniques to expand the use of wood and value-added wood products,” he added.

CRIBE is a non-profit agency set up by the Ontario government to advance the commercialization of the forest products industry in the province. 

The CRIBE grant will assist in the purchase of CLT materials, and will also defray the costs for the consultant team including building code experts, to develop strategies to successfully detail and secure approvals for the 2-storey section of the new Laurentian School of Architecture, set to open in the fall of 2015.

Current schematic designs by Levitt Goodman Architects show the West Wing of the new structure, comprising the Classroom, Lecture Hall and Library, built with CLT.  Much of the 12,000-sf structure would be exposed to view, with clear curtain glazing.  The result will be “a beautiful use of wood, creating a warm and acoustically tempered environment,” according to the architects.

“We are tremendously excited to be involved with CRIBE and to have the opportunity to showcase CLT in a purpose-built school of architecture,” said lead architect Janna Levitt.  “We also hope this demonstration project will stimulate interest in developing local manufacturing of the product.”

CRIBE is the sole funder of the Wood Demonstration Project at Laurentian Architecture.  The new School, the first to open in Canada in more than 40 years, has also received significant funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, and the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation, TD Insurance Meloche Monnex and the organization representing businesses and service providers in Downtown Sudbury. 

Donations to Laurentian Architecture will be used to support scholarships, bursaries, state-of-the-art computer software, and resources needed for the Community Design/Build projects.

Margaret Atwood Returns to Sudbury for Birthday Dinner

Margaret Atwood Returns to Sudbury for Birthday Dinner

August 20, 2012 - Laurentian University will once again welcome Canadian author, critic and poet Margaret Atwood on her annual birthday visit, with a gala dinner and performance in her honour.  

The event will be held on Tuesday, November 13th, 2012, in the Vale Inco Cavern at Science North.  The evening will include a reading by Ms. Atwood from her upcoming collection of short stories.   

This year’s Birthday Dinner will also feature a multi-media performance by Manitoulin Island’s renowned Debajehmujig Theatre Group, commissioned for the event, and titled My Cousin’s Cousin’s Cousin, Margaret Atwood.     

A portion of the proceeds from the evening will go toward the building fund for Laurentian University’s Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre.   

The birthday of Canada’s most esteemed writer has become a seasonal fixture at Laurentian University, as the Department of English has organized celebrations of Ms. Atwood and her work since 2004.  In 2009, Ms. Atwood celebrated her 70thbirthday at Laurentian while presiding over a staged dramatization of her novel, The Year of the Flood.  In 2011, proceeds from the Birthday Dinner helped to establish the Margaret Atwood Scholarship Fund, with awards for students in both the Humanities and the Sciences. A portion of the proceeds from this year's event will be directed toward the Scholarship Fund.  

Tickets for the evening are $70 per person.  Tax receipts will be provided for a portion of the ticket value. For more information, please contact Professor Susan Glovers glover@laurentian.ca or Professor Shannon Hengen shengen@laurentian.ca   

LU Recruits Top-Flight Academic

LU Recruits Top-Flight Academic

August 8, 2012 - Laurentian University appointed Dr. Wayne Warry to the position of Director of the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research (CRaNHR) at Laurentian University starting September 1st, 2012.

The Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research is an academic and applied research centre with sites at Laurentian University in Sudbury and at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario.  The Centre’s mandate is to conduct interdisciplinary research on rural health with the goal of improving health services, access to health care, particularly in rural and northern communities, and enhancing our understanding of the health care system.

“Dr. Warry is a welcomed addition to our academic community and will certainly help drive forward the goals outlined in the strategic research plan in the area of health and wellness,” said Dr. Patrice Sawyer, Vice-President, Francophone Affairs, Research & Graduate Studies at Laurentian University.  “He impressed the committee with his vision for the CRaNHR.  Dr. Warry has several current projects involving research with Aboriginal communities and understands the need for significant community engagement and the importance to commit to participatory research.”

Dr. Wayne Warry previously served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology, McMaster University.  His career at McMaster has spanned over 20 years.  He holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from The Australian National University (ANU), a Masters in anthropology from McMaster University and an Honours B.A. in Anthropology, Summa Cum Laude also from McMaster University. 

"I am excited by the opportunity to help build and expand on CRaNHR’s already established reputation in applied health research and to develop, in collaboration with the researchers affiliated with the Centre, new programs of research that will enhance the delivery of health services to rural and remote populations and help to improve the health of Northern Ontarians,” said Dr. Warry. 

View Laurentian University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Research Plan

LU Scores Varsity Hockey for 2013 Season

LU Scores Varsity Hockey for 2013 Season

July 5, 2012 - Laurentian University will soon begin the process of selecting coaches for the 2013 season of men’s and women’s varsity hockey at Laurentian. The hiring process was given the green light with the formal approval of the University’s multi-year budget by Laurentian’s Board of Governors on June 22nd.  

“Our coaches are the first key piece in our plans to build two successful varsity teams,” said Athletics Director Peter Hellstrom. “This has been a long time coming, and we’re very excited about the next steps toward the dropping of the puck in 2013.”  

While next year’s OUA season will mark the debut of women’s hockey at Laurentian, mens’ Voyageur hockey will be returning to the ice after a 13-year hiatus. The men’s squad will build on a storied history of remarkable players and coaching talent. On the ice, Denis Castonguay is one of the most recognizable names among the many Voyageur hockey alumni. A member of the Voyageurs from 1983-1988, Castonguay still holds the OUA records for career points (265), career goals (124), points in a season (72), and goals in a season (35). Behind the bench, Jack Porter was among the notable coaches in Voyageur history. Porter coached Laurentian hockey from its inception in 1962 through to 1973, and for three more seasons through the 1970’s and 1980’s. During his tenure, Porter guided the Voyageurs to 7 conference championships culminating in a trip to the CIAU championship game in 1967. Both Castonguay and Porter are members of the Alumni Voyageur Hall of Fame.  

“The return of varsity hockey is thrilling for students, for the university community, and we believe it’s also a great development for the City,” said Chris Mercer, Chief of Staff at Laurentian University. “Our athletes have had a lot of success in recent years and we are very proud that OUA hockey will be back at Laurentian in a big way.”  

Hellstrom said the coaching staff will be crucial in player recruitment and development, but will also play a leading role in hockey in the broader community. “Our coaches will be mentoring and supporting hockey at all levels, through schools and camps. We intend on re-establishing the Voyageur brand in hockey, and backing it up with an excellent coaching corps.”  

When asked about the goals for the teams, Hellstrom added, “We’re going to be competitive from day 1. We’re going to be very aggressive in drawing the best from all the superb hockey talent that’s out there.”   Continue to follow the development of the hockey program and the rest of the Lady Vees and Voyageurs at www.luvoyageurs.com.

LU Approves Ambitious Multi-Year Budget

LU Approves Ambitious Multi-Year Budget

June 25, 2012 - Laurentian University’s Board of Governors unanimously approved a balanced budget of $132.1 million for 2012-2013, as well as a multi-year budget until 2017-18 aligned with the outcomes identified in the University’s five-year Strategic Plan. The budget was presented to the Board of Governors after a broad consultation process, seeing over 300 students, faculty and staff in Sudbury and Barrie weigh in over 16 different sessions.

“We have aligned our budget with the university’s key goals and aspirations and are investing in high quality academic programs, research excellence and student supports,” said Dominic Giroux, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University. “We are focused on achieving the outcomes set out in our strategic, academic and research plans.”

Some of the notable investments include:

  • $42.6M for the new School of Architecture;
  • $35M to support campus modernization in Sudbury (including classroom redesign, new collaborative spaces, one-stop student services, and a new front door welcoming     centre);
  • $7.9M by 2017-18 to address deferred maintenance;
  • $6M for the rehabilitation of the Single Student Residence (SSR);
  • $4.1M by 2017-18 to support the international accreditation of the Faculty of Management;
  • $2.8M by 2017-18 to reintroduce men’s and introduce women’s hockey in the Fall of 2013;
  • $2.1M by 2017-18 to launch the School of Mines;
  • $2M to modernize food services on campus, including a new Starbucks in 2012 and full renovation of the Great Hall in 2013;
  • $1.8M by 2017-18 to increase staff training and professional development;
  • $1.4M by 2017-18 to enhance services through the Centre for Academic Excellence;
  • $1.05M by 2017-18 to secure full funding for the construction of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, enhance proactive hiring practices for Aboriginal faculty and staff, and increase Indigenous content in courses.

The plan calls for enrolment growth of 1,150 students by 2017-18, and the university will do so while raising the average entry grade even higher, from 81% to 83% and continuing to diversify and grow its international student population.

Barrie operations will see an increased investment of $0.8M in 2012-13, including 3 new faculty members to support program expansion and a new Associate Vice-President, Administration and External Relations. The University has pledged $14M towards a new campus in downtown Barrie, a pledge which has been matched by the City of Barrie.

The approved budget includes significant investments in faculty and staff renewal. Key 2012-13 hires include a Canada Research Chair in Geochemistry, a Canada Research Chair in Environmental Microbiology, a Research Chair in Occupational Health and Safety, 20 other faculty hirings, more full-time counselors, an additional technologist in the Bharti School of Engineering, the Executive Director of the School of Mines, additional staff in Sudbury for security, marketing and capital projects, additional administrative and student recruitment support in Barrie.

“We are one of the few Canadian universities in a strong financial position,” offered Laurentian Vice-President of Administration, Carol McAulay. “We have balanced budgets projected for at least the next six years, we have a solvent pension plan and low long-term debt ratios. This allows us to move forward with so many game-changing investments. It’s an exciting time to be at Laurentian.”

Craig Fowler named Associate Vice-President in Barrie

Craig Fowler named Associate Vice-President in Barrie

June 20, 2012 - Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux today announced the appointment of Craig Fowler as the first Associate Vice-President, Administration and External Relations for Laurentian in Barrie.   

Fowler will champion high quality services and supports for students, faculty and staff at Laurentian in Barrie.  He will be responsible for the administrative infrastructure in Barrie, for supporting and developing student recruitment and marketing strategies, and will also have responsibility for community engagement, government relations, alumni relations and development in Barrie.  His appointment takes effect August 7, 2012. He will be joining Dr. Bernadette Schell, Laurentian’s Vice-Provost in Barrie, who oversees academic operations since 2010.  

Fowler was most recently Director of Risk Management at the Pan/Parapan American Games Secretariat, which is responsible for overseeing Ontario’s financial commitments to the Games, and had been working with the organizing committee for the 2015 Games in Toronto.   

Previously, Fowler led the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services for the Ontario Ministry of Finance.  He has also served in a number of senior roles for nine years at the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, including as Director of Scientific and Research Collaborations and Director of the Research Branch. He began his career in economic development with the town of Richmond Hill.  

“Craig’s experience in public administration and in the research community, his undergraduate education in urban planning and graduate education in economic development, and his strong community ties in Barrie make him uniquely suited to oversee Laurentian’s continued growth in Barrie,” said President Giroux.  “We are thrilled to be able to add him to our team as a key player in Laurentian’s Barrie operations.”  

“Laurentian has really impressed me and many others in the community with its vision of a downtown Barrie campus,” said Mr. Fowler.  “Being born and raised here, and having a background in urban planning, economic development and research collaborations, I can’t imagine a more exciting organization and project to be a part of.”   

Laurentian University has offered programs in Barrie through a partnership with Georgian College since 2001, and continues to expand to meet the needs of the community.  There are more than 1,200 students currently enrolled in Laurentian’s programs in Barrie. Programs currently offered include the Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, English, History, Law and Justice, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology; the Bachelor of Social Work; the Bachelor of Business Administration; and the Masters in Business Administration. Laurentian University plans to introduce in Barrie new programs in Information Technology Security / Data Centres and Management, among others over the next few years.   Laurentian continues to work with the provincial government to secure $40 million in funding for a downtown Barrie campus, as proposed in June 2010 as part of the University’s 10-year long-term capital plan submitted to the province. Laurentian University pledged $14 million toward the project in June 2011, a commitment that was matched in November 2011 by Barrie City Council. 

Bear season is upon us

Bear season is upon us

June 15, 2012 - In order to become more informed about black bears, we encourage everyone to visit the Ministry of Natural Resources website for further information about black bears at http://bears.mnr.gov.on.ca/

In the event that you do spot a bear on campus, you are asked to call Security at 705-673-6562 to report the sighting. If the situation is an emergency, call 911, then call Security at the above listed phone number.

In an effort to prevent black bears from coming close to our buildings on campus, discard garbage in a garbage receptacle indoors rather than outdoors. Report any area on campus that has garbage to Security or Physical Plant and Planning at extension 1500.

LU Welcomes students from Gujarat, India

LU Welcomes students from Gujarat, India

June 14, 2012 - The students are arriving in several groups this week and will begin their six-week programs in computer science and in bio-chemistry on Monday, June 18th.    

Their visit marks Laurentian’s first International Global Experience Program in collaboration with Gujarat Technological University, a post-secondary institution specializing in degree and diploma programs in engineering, pharmacy, management and computer applications.  Ahmedabad is the administrative centre of the northwestern state of Gujarat and is one of the fastest growing cities in India.  

“We are excited about the benefits of this collaboration, both for the students from Gujarat and for Laurentian,” said Dr. Vasu Appanna, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Laurentian University. 

“The students will earn recognized credits in their programs of study, while getting a Canadian immersion experience.  At the same time, Laurentian is building relationships that can open doors for graduate studies and faculty exchanges down the road.”   

Tours and activities in Sudbury, including various summer festivals, as well as field trips to Ottawa and Niagara Falls are scheduled over the course of the six-weeks, to showcase the Canadian landscape and culture. The Gujarat students will be housed at Laurentian’s University College residence throughout their stay.  

“We’ve been talking with our colleagues at Gujarat Technological University for months to finalize the details of this unique learning experience,” said Dr. Kalpdrum Passi, Co-ordinator of the Global Experience Program and Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Laurentian.  “We’re really thrilled to be hosting these students during a beautiful northern Ontario summer, and showing them what Laurentian has to offer.” 

TVO anchor Steve Paikin addresses Laurentian graduates

TVO anchor Steve Paikin addresses Laurentian graduates

June 8, 2012 - Journalist, author and documentary producer Steve Paikin was awarded an Honourary Doctorate of Letters today at Laurentian University.   Paikin is the anchor and senior editor of TVO’s flagship current affairs program “The Agenda With Steve Paikin.”  He has spent 20 years producing and hosting programs for Ontario’s educational broadcaster. 

“He combines a very sharp intellect with a wonderful spirit of enquiry, and a love of both politics and public policy,” said Floyd Laughren, Chair of the Board of Governors of Laurentian University and former Deputy Premier of Ontario. “In my political life I was often subjected to his penetrating questions and his adroit pursuit.  Steve is invariably respectful and fair.”

Paikin has served as moderator of federal and provincial leaders’ debates five times, and has written three books about Canadian politics.

He has also produced a number of feature-length documentaries, including the award-winning “Return to the Warsaw Ghetto” and a film about former Ontario Premier Bill Davis called “A Main Street Man.”

Paikin is married to Sudbury native Francesca Grosso, whose father was Dr. Roberto Grosso, a former Chair of the Board of Governors at Laurentian.

“We are proud to honour Steve Paikin as part of our Laurentian family,” said University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  “His commitment to citizen engagement through educational broadcasting is inspiring, and his reputation as a journalist is exceptional.  He is a most deserving recipient of the Doctorate of Letters.”

TVO is Ontario’s public educational media organization and a trusted source of interactive educational content that informs, inspires and stimulates curiosity and thought. TVO’s vision is to empower people to be engaged citizens of Ontario through educational media. TVO is funded primarily by the Province of Ontario and is a registered charity supported by sponsors and thousands of donors. For more information, visit tvo.org 

Media interviews with Steve can be arranged through Laurentian Communications.

LU investigators share in $400K research award CRaNHR work part of national study on rural and remote nursing care

LU investigators share in $400K research award CRaNHR work part of national study on rural and remote nursing care

March 28, 2012 - Two investigators from the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research (CRaNHR) at Laurentian University will help to advance a national project aimed at improving the quality of nursing service provided in remote and rural regions of Canada.

Health Canada this month announced a new grant of $400,000  to support the first 13 months of the three-year project, The Nature of Nursing Practice in Rural and Remote Canada II.

Dr. Roger Pitblado, Professor Emeritus and Senior Research

Fellow at CRaNHR, is a co-principal investigator in the project, while Laurentian University School of Nursing Assistant Professor Irene Koren is a co-investigator.  The research project is led by the University of Northern British Columbia and includes investigators from the University of Lethbridge and the University of Saskatchewan.

In the first phase of the project, CRaNHR’s investigators will study nursing databases  to get a better picture of the work and the challenges faced by primary health care providers (including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and registered psychiatric nurses) in rural and remote regions.

In the second phase, Dr. Pitblado says researchers will delve into the demands and the conditions of rural and remote practice.  “We want to know what is required of the rural nurse, and what can we do in our nursing schools to prepare you better,” said Dr. Pitblado.

The study is intended to produce “a clearer picture on the changing roles of health professionals who provide services in rural and remote communities,” according to a release posted by Health Canada, and “will also touch on the experiences of Aboriginal nurses who practice in Inuit and First Nations communities.”

The study is also concerned with issues of recruitment and retention outside the larger population centres.  Ultimately, Dr. Pitblado says the research is aimed at improving the quality of health care for millions of people.  “We want to make a difference in the lives of rural Canadians, whose first and sometimes only access to primary health care is through a nurse, who may be working in a remote community with very little support,” he said.

CRaNHR collaborates with researchers across the country.  Its mandate is to conduct interdisciplinary research on rural health with a view to improving service and access to health care, especially in rural and northern communities, and enhancing understanding of the health care system.

For more information, please visit www.cranhr.ca

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