Announcements

If you have any concerns or questions about any disruption or shutdown notices, please contact the Facilities Management Service Desk at 613-727-4723 ext. 7710 Monday to Friday, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or via email at 7710@algonquincollege.com

Building S – Vestibule Closure – Nov. 13, 2026

As part of the Building S Vestibule Refurbishment Project, the contractor will be pouring concrete on Friday, November 13, 2026. As a result, the vestibule will be closed for 24 hours to allow the concrete sufficient time to cure before the area can safely be reopened for use.

Please note that Building S will remain accessible throughout the construction period via the secondary temporary entrance, highlighted in green below.

We appreciate your cooperation, patience, and understanding as we complete these improvements.

Building P Solar Project – Crane Operations and Parking Lot Closure – Nov. 17, 2026

As part of the ongoing Building P Solar Project, the contractor will conduct crane operations and hoist materials at Building P on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.

A portion of the P7 parking lot, as highlighted in the attached image, will be closed for the day to accommodate construction activities. Designated accessible parking spaces will remain available throughout the work.

Crane operations are scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Temporary restrictions at certain building entrances and pedestrian access routes may be required during lifting operations to ensure public safety. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the day on November 17. However, additional work may be required on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

Facilities Management staff and the contractor will coordinate the work to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. We appreciate your cooperation and patience while this work is being completed.

Winter Bike Parking: Supporting Year-Round Cycling on Campus

With winter approaching, Facilities Management is pleased to share an expansion of our support for members of the College community who choose to cycle to campus year-round.

As part of a Grounds initiative under Facilities Management, six bike rack locations across campus have been designated for winter maintenance, helping ensure they remain accessible throughout the winter season:

• CA West
• C West
• E East
• Lot 8 West
• X South
• R South

New signage will also be installed at these locations to clearly identify them as Winter Bike Parking, making it easier for cyclists to plan where to securely park their bikes during the colder months.

This initiative builds on recommendations from a previous review of the College’s cycling infrastructure and represents another step toward creating a more accessible and supportive environment for those who choose active and sustainable transportation.

These designated locations and new signage will provide clear information on where bike parking will be maintained and accessible throughout the winter.

We encourage winter cyclists to check the map below for Winter Bike Parking locations, watch for the new Winter Bike Parking signs around campus, and plan your routes accordingly.

Snow is here! How to stay safe on campus this season

Safety is our top priority. The Facilities department works diligently with our Snow and Ice Management contractor to help ensure the safety and accessibility of campus roads, walkways, and entrances for all members of the College community.

If you notice icy patches, snow drifts, or any conditions that may impede accessibility or pose a safety risk, please contact the Service Desk at extension 7710. We are here to help!

Gravel Parking Lots – Why are they so different than other parking lots in the winter?

The Ottawa campus is home to three gravel parking lots: Lot 1’s extension, Lot 16, and Lot 17. The College uses grit in these spaces for traction instead of salt, as gravel areas respond negatively to salt use for snow and ice treatment. Salt is avoided in gravel parking lots because it would create unsafe conditions. As we are not able to melt ice with salt, expect to see hard-packed snow and ice in these areas. Even though these spaces will be treated and inspected regularly, please use extra caution when traversing them, as icy conditions are expected throughout the winter.

Black Ice – How to identify it and how can I stay safe?

Black ice is a transparent layer of ice that is barely visible on hard surfaces, making it extremely difficult to see and manage.

Here are a few tips to help you recognize and respond to black ice:

• Keep an eye out for surfaces that appear wet or shiny, and take care as you begin to traverse them.
• Start by testing the edge with your foot and feel for friction. If the surface seems slippery, it is likely black ice. It is best to find an alternate route or take extreme care while traversing it (see the walking and footwear tips below).
• Try walking on the snow adjacent to the sidewalk if black ice is present; this often provides more traction and is safer.
• Pay attention to temperature fluctuations. Cold temperatures can freeze melted snow into black ice.

Follow these tips to navigate winter weather safely, especially when facing icy surfaces:

Awareness is Key
While walking through parking lots or on sidewalks, keep your phone in your pocket so you can remain aware of the path in front of you as you make your way into buildings. Temperatures can change numerous times throughout the day, so stay alert for icy conditions. Be extra cautious and follow the tips below during the winter.

Footwear Matters
Invest in insulated, waterproof boots with a robust tread. Choose footwear that provides excellent traction to help prevent slipping on icy walkways. Avoid smooth-soled shoes, as they increase the risk of accidents.

Walking Techniques
When venturing out on icy surfaces, adopt a cautious walking style to maintain stability:

• Take smaller steps: Short, deliberate steps help maintain balance on slippery surfaces.
• Slow down: Reduce your walking pace to avoid sudden slips and falls.
• Bend your knees: Slightly bending your knees lowers your center of gravity, adding stability.
• Take wider steps: Distribute your weight evenly by taking wider steps to reduce the risk of slipping.

Embrace the “Penguin Walk”
Channel your inner penguin by pointing your feet slightly outward and shuffling along. This walking technique, although amusing, enhances stability on icy terrain.

Community Safety Begins with You
This winter, let’s work together to create a safe and secure College environment. By following these simple guidelines, you can navigate winter with confidence.

Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the beauty of winter responsibly.

This winter safety advisory is brought to you by Facilities Management, dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, and sustainable learning environment for the College community.

Notice of Construction Activity – Building T Vestibule Refurbishment Project

Facilities Management in coordination with the assigned contractor, will commence work on the Building T Vestibule Refurbishment Project on Monday, October 5, 2026. The work is expected to continue for approximately three months.

Work will begin with Vestibules 1 and 2 and will then progress to the remaining vestibules shaded on the floor plan below.

The building will remain accessible throughout the project; however, temporary access restrictions may occur at individual vestibules while work is underway. Where required, occupants will be directed to an alternate vestibule. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during the construction period.

We will work closely with the contractor to minimize disruption as much as possible.

Notice of Construction Activities – P111 and P124

Start Date: Monday, June 15, 2026

Please be advised that construction activities will commence in Rooms P111 and P124 starting Monday, June 15, 2026, and will continue until further notice.

Scope of Work: The project includes demolition of existing floor slabs and associated renovation activities within both locations.

After-Hours Demolition Work: To minimize disruption to building operations, slab demolition activities will be performed after hours, beginning at 9:00 p.m. and continuing overnight until the early morning.

Hoarding and Site Logistics

• The demolition area within P124 will be fully hoarded and secured as shown in the attached schedule and site plan.
• A temporary construction waste bin will be located outside the work areas, as indicated on the attached sketch.

Impact on Building Operations

• Demolition activities are scheduled after hours and are not expected to impact regular building operations.
• During regular operating hours, construction activities will continue within P111. This area will remain closed and inaccessible to students, staff, and visitors for the duration of the work.
• All reasonable measures will be taken to minimize noise, dust, and disruption while maintaining a safe environment for building occupants.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete these improvements.