uManitoba president's vision for Fort Garry campus transformation

The University of Manitoba is initiating an international design competition that will culminate in October 2013 in a plan selected to transform the former Southwood golf course owned by the institution -- 48 hectares now known as uManitoba's Southwood precinct -- and the Fort Garry campus. Leaving the golf course simply as a green space would form a barrier between the institution and the rest of the community, says uManitoba president David Barnard; instead, the institution sees student housing and housing for the general public, perhaps condominiums, scattered in Southwood. The design plan will encompass both the east and west sides of the campus, utilizing the entire property to demonstrate its connection with the community, the president says. The plan will also focus on rapid transit; Barnard says uManitoba has to emphasize pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access over the vehicle. "We see the potential for our campus community as a whole to become a 24/7 live/work/learn/play environment, shaped by five goals and guiding principles: connected, destination, sustainable, community, transformative," says Barnard. "We will move away from being a commuter campus toward a vibrant campus community destination." Winnipeg Free Press