The University announced a proposed new partnership with Conexus Credit Union that may contribute up to $8.25 million to the College Avenue Campus Renewal Project.
The project could also result in millions of dollars in cost avoidance for revitalizing the University’s historic campus.
“I’m very excited by the proposal submitted by Conexus Credit Union,” said Dr. Vianne Timmons, president and vice-chancellor at the U of R.
“As a member-based cooperative, Conexus has deep roots in Saskatchewan and is a natural partner for the University of Regina. Conexus shares our community values and understands the historic, educational and cultural importance of saving College Avenue Campus.”
The Conexus proposal would centralize several of Conexus’ offices in Regina at a site adjacent to College Avenue Campus immediately west of Darke Hall, leveraging the close physical proximity to create synergies between the two projects and help minimize costs.
The proposal also includes a joint atrium with Darke Hall, accessibility improvements to the facility, a space for a business incubator site that would help drive small business growth, and other potential amenities for the public.
“Our proposal would bring key Conexus staff together at one location to increase efficiency and foster the kind of collaboration that cultivates growth for our members,” said Eric Dillon, CEO for Conexus Credit Union.
“Partnering with the University to help renew College Avenue Campus enables us to serve the needs of our members while also fulfilling their expectation that we continue our tradition of giving back to the community.”
The proposed partnership is the result of an open public request for proposals issued in January 2016. That process included a commitment to hold public consultations on the results. Two open forums were held on June 16 and June 23. The University will also be accepting input by email at [email protected].
The consultations follow those held to inform the University’s new Campus Master Plan, which lays out the principles for responsible future development of the University.
The Campus Master Plan was approved by the University’s Board of Governors as well as Wascana Centre Authority (WCA), and is consistent with the WCA’s Master Plan, which also underwent public consultations in 2015.
For additional information about the proposal, the consultations and the College Avenue Campus Renewal project, visit www.uregina.ca/giving.
