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Simcoe Hall, 27 King’s College Circle, Council Chamber (second floor)
Report Number 221 Of The Planning & Budget Committee
WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2026
To the Academic Board,
University of Toronto,
Your Committee reports that it held a meeting on May 6, 2026 at 3:10 p.m. with the following members present:
PRESENT:, Anuradha Prakki (Vice Chair, presiding as Chair), Scott Mabury, (Vice President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships and Vice-Provost, Academic Programs), Mike Snowdon (Acting Assistant Vice President, Planning and Budget), Jay-Daniel Baghbanan, Janet Cloud, Ramy Elitzur, Robert Gazzale, Giovanni Grasselli, Walid Houry, Brian Madden, John Oesch, Jesse Pasternak*, Matt Ratto, Colleen Zimmerman
*participated via zoom
REGRETS: Sali Tagliamonte (Chair), Trevor Young (Vice President and Provost), Angelina Jiang, Kevin Yuan Li, Ryan McClelland, Javed Mostafa,
NON-VOTING ASSESSORS: Christine Burke (Assistant Vice President, University Planning), Leah Cowen (Vice President, Research and Innovation and Strategic Initiatives), Jeff Lennon (Chief Financial Officer), , Suresh Sivanandam, Robyn Stremler,
SECRETARIAT: Tracey Gameiro, Secretary
IN ATTENDANCE: Carlos Carillo Duran (Senior Planner, University Planning), Eyal de Lara (Chair, Department of Computer Science), Janice Johnson (Executive Director, Student Housing & Residence Experience), Cara Kedzior (Senior Planner, University Planning) Anne Macdonald (Associate Vice President, Spaces & Experiences), Arleen Morrin (Chief Administrative Officer, Dentistry), Laura Tam (Acting Dean, Dentistry), Greg Yantz (Director of Administration, Computer Science)
Pursuant to section 38 of By-Law Number 2,
consideration of items 12 to 16 took place in camera.
OPEN SESSION
- Chair’s Remarks
The Chair welcomed members to the final meeting of the governance year and thanked them for their valuable service to the Committee. - Assessors’ Reports
There were no reports from Assessors. - Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Dentistry Clinic 2 Renewal – Project Scope and Sources of Funding
The Committee received a presentation on the Faculty of Dentistry Clinic 2 Renewal project from Professor Scott Mabury, Vice President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships. Professor Mabury provided an overview of the Faculty’s clinical operations, noting the significant volume of patients served annually, and outlined the scope of the project, which formed part of the broader Clinic Master Plan. The project included the renovation and expansion of Clinic 2, improvements to patient access, accessibility, and wayfinding, and upgrades to the main patient entrance and reception areas.
The renewal project would support an enhanced patient experience and a modernized pedagogical model, including updated clinic spaces, new support facilities, and improved connections within the building. The project also addressed accessibility requirements through the addition of an AODA-compliant elevator and stair.
Professor Mabury noted that the project was expected to be completed by April 2028 and that funding efforts were underway, with some donor commitments already secured. It was further noted that the renewal incorporated design features to support operational flexibility, including in response to potential future public health requirements, and that the existing satellite clinic space would be phased out following project completion.
Acting Dean Laura Tam noted that the clinics served as the primary training ground for dentistry students and supported a significant patient base, delivering between 60,000 to 70,000 visits annually while improving access to care through reduced-cost dental services.
Discussion:
A member asked whether the renewal would increase clinic capacity. The Dean explained that, while the original clinic had a higher nominal capacity, it consisted largely of open, non-private spaces with limitations related to air exchange. The renewal design introduced enclosed operatories that met current standards, resulting in a slight reduction in overall capacity, but a significant improvement in quality, safety, and compliance. It was also noted that the project introduced dedicated spaces to accommodate special needs patients, which had not previously been available.
The Committee further asked whether the space would be sufficient to meet future needs. Professor Mabury advised that the project had been undertaken in a methodical manner to both renovate and optimize the existing space, achieving approximately 15% more usable space through reconfiguration. He noted that rehabilitating the existing facility would enable more efficient service to students and patients, at a significantly lower cost than constructing a new building, and would support the Faculty’s needs for decades to come.
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried,
YOUR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED
THAT the project scope of the Faculty of Dentistry Clinic 2 Renewal project as identified in the “Report of the Project Planning Committee for University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry Clinic 2 Renewal, dated April 3, 2026 be approved in principle; and,
THAT the project totaling approximately 2,945 square metres (sm) of renovated space, with a total project scope area of 3,168 sm, be approved in principle, to be funded by the Faculty of Dentistry Major Capital Projects Reserves and Future Faculty Reserves as well as by Clinic 2 Capital Donations, Central University Matching, ongoing Fundraising and Financing. - Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Department of Computer Science at Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre (DCS SRIC) West – Project Scope and Sources of Funding
The Committee received a presentation on the proposed relocation of the Department of Computer Science to the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus (SRIC). Professor Mabury outlined the scope of the project, which involved the renovation of existing space on the third and fourth floors of the SRIC building to accommodate the Department’s artificial intelligence research groups.
The project aimed to co-locate leading AI researchers in a purpose-designed environment that would foster collaboration within the Department and with the broader AI community, including the Vector Institute. The space design included offices, research labs, graduate student areas, and collaborative spaces, and was informed by consultation with faculty, staff, and students.
Professor Mabury noted that the project was being designed as an interior renovation, with municipal approvals in progress. Construction was expected to commence in July 2026, with occupancy targeted for August 2027.
Professor Eyal de Lara, Chair of the Department of Computer Science, emphasized that the project represented a critical investment in infrastructure to support the University’s leadership in artificial intelligence. He noted that the central role of Computer Science in advancing AI technologies and underscored the importance of positioning the University to share the future direction and application of AI. He also highlighted that the project would enable continued growth by optimizing space usage across the Department.
Discussion
Members asked about the potential impact of shifting demand in the technology sector on future enrolment, noting perceptions of declining demand for software engineers and programmers. Professor de Lara responded that enrolment in Computer Science had historically followed cyclical trends, with periods of decline followed by significant growth. He noted that current enrolment levels exceeded previous peaks and suggested that, while there may be short-term fluctuations, the emergence of artificial intelligence was likely to draw new demand and applications, supporting continued need for expertise in the field.
Members also inquired about information technology and infrastructure costs, including annual networking costs. Professor Mabury advised that the project was expected to meet required power demands in alignment with the University’s energy objectives, and confirmed that ongoing costs would be borne by the Department.
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried,
YOUR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED
THAT the project scope of the Department of Computer Science at Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus - West, as identified in the “Report of the Project Planning Committee for Department of Computer Science at Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus - West”, dated March 27, 2026, be approved in principle; and
THAT the project totaling 3,486 gross square metres (gsm), 1,588 net assignable square metres (nasm) to be funded through: Faculty of Arts & Science: Future Major Capital Projects Reserves 107944. - Capital Project (Level 3): Project Development Report for the Build More Housing Initiative: On-Campus Housing – Real Estate Partnership – Project Scope and Sources of Funding
Professor Mabury presented an overview of the Build More Housing Initiative. He noted that Business Board had approved a letter of intent and term sheet to negotiate with a private sector joint venture partner.
Professor Mabury emphasized the significant shortage of student housing, reporting that the University currently provided approximately 11,000 beds for a student population of over 100,000. Particular pressure was noted for graduate housing and upper-year students, with demand far exceeding available supply.
The Committee heard that expanding student housing capacity was critical to the University’s financial sustainability and student experience, particularly in supporting international and out-of-province students. Professor Mabury indicated that the University required additional beds to meet current and projected demand, with the project under consideration representing an initial phase of approximately 1,200 new beds across sites on 40-56 Harbord Street and 167-171 College Street.
It was noted that a previous University-led development on the Harbord Street site had been cancelled after market costs significantly exceeded budget, rendering the project financially unviable. In response, the University undertook a competitive procurement process in 2025 to identify a private sector partner for a joint venture approach. The process attracted strong market interest, and a partner was selected based on a proposal to jointly deliver the project.
Professor Mabury advised that the proposed development would improve financial feasibility and would include a mix of unit types to serve different student needs. The projects would also be designed to meet the University’s long-term design and sustainability standards, with an emphasis on durability, adaptability, and high energy efficiency.
Discussion:
Members asked about the proposed mix of unit types, noting the prevalence of semi-private accommodations compared to traditional dormitory-style residences. Janice Johnson, (Executive Director, Student Housing & Residence Experience), explained that the design was informed by extensive demand analysis, which indicated that shared facilities support community-building and academic success. She noted that the University had undertaken significant research on student preferences and trade-offs, and had also engaged experienced residence development partners to ensure the design aligned with what best supported students.
The Committee inquired whether there was any provincial support for the project. Professor Mabury advised that no provincial funding had been secured, despite requests for grants, and noted that the proposed model reflected an approach intended to deliver housing more effectively without reliance on government capital funding.
Members also raised questions regarding community consultation, referencing correspondence from the Grange Community Association. Professor Mabury noted that recent provincial legislation aimed to facilitate the development of housing and university-led projects. He added that the University continues to work with the local councillor’s office and remained committed to consultation. Anne MacDonald, (Associate Vice-President Spaces & Experiences), further noted that there had been ongoing engagement with community groups through regular meetings and a dedicated community liaison on the Harbord site, including consultation undertaken for a previous iteration of the project, and that continued outreach would form part of the development plan.
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried,
YOUR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED
THAT the project scope of the Build More Housing Initiative: On-Campus Housing - Real Estate Partnership - Total Project Cost & Sources of Funding, described in the “Build More Housing Initiative Project Development report On-Campus Housing dated April 22, 2026” for Student Residence Projects at 40-56 Harbord Street and 167-171 College Street be approved in principle; and,
THAT the project totaling approximately 37,165 square metres (sm) of gross floor area of student residence and amenity space with a total project gross construction area of 40,684 sm be approved in principle, to be funded by the Joint Venture Partnership.
CONSENT AGENDA
YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED
THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that Item 8, the Report of the Previous Meeting, be approved.
- Annual Report: Design Review Committee (DRC)
The DRC report was provided for information. - Annual Report: Executive Committee on the Capital Project Space Allocation Committee (CaPs)
The Committee received the Annual CaPS report for information. - Report of the Previous Meeting: Report Number 220 – March 25, 2026
The Report of the Previous Meeting was approved. - Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting
There was no business arising from the report of the previous meeting.
END OF OPEN SESSION CONSENT AGENDA
- Date of the Next Meeting: September 24, 2026, 3:10 – 5:10 p.m.
The Chair reminded members that the Committee’s next meeting, the first of the governance year, would take place on September 24, 2026, at the regular meeting time from 3:10 p.m. to 5:10 p.m. - Other Business
There were no items of other business.
THE BOARD MOVED IN CAMERA
IN CAMERA AGENDA
- Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Dentistry Clinic 2 Renewal - Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED
THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations & Real-Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated April 27, 2026, regarding the Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding for the Faculty of Dentistry Clinic 2 Renewal, be approved in principle. - Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Department of Computer Science at Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus (DCS SRC) West - Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding - Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED
THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations & Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated April 27, 2026, regarding the Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding for the Department of Computer Science at Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus - West, be approved in principle. - Capital Project (Level 3): Project Development Report for the Build More Housing Initiative: On-Campus Housing – Real Estate Partnership - Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED
THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations & Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated April 29, 2026, regarding the Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding for the Build More Housing Initiative: On-Campus Housing - Real Estate Partnership, be approved in principle. - Capital Project (Level 3): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Academic Wood Tower – Revised Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED
THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations & Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated April 27, 2026, regarding the Revised Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding for the Academic Wood Tower, be approved in principle. - St. George Campus Plan 2040
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED
THAT the University of Toronto St. George Campus Plan, dated Summer 2026, be approved in principle.
THE COMMITTEE RETURNED TO OPEN SESSION
The meeting adjourned at 5:37 p.m.
May 8, 2026