Lakehead University and the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) are partnering to envision a new building at the Orillia campus to enhance student life and academic experiences. This initiative aims to address long-standing needs for more accessible, functional, and student-centered spaces.

The referendum seeks student input on a proposed fee of $50 per term, which would help fund the planning and construction of this new building at the Orillia Campus.The building is expected to include (pending budget and governance approval):

• the rehoming of the Faculty of Education from Heritage Place to University Avenue;
• a dedicated Indigenous Initiatives Centre;
• a centralized Student Services Hub;
• additional academic spaces including classrooms;
• The Orillia Student Union Centre (OSUC) which will include spaces which:
• address food security and build community;
• enable clubs and students to gather for meetings, events, studying, and more;
• enhance LUSU services with more space for LUSU staff, representatives, and volunteers.

If the referendum passes, LUSU and Lakehead will work together in developing this new building with enhanced services, spaces, and academic pursuits. The fee could take effect as early as September 2025.

If the referendum passes, LUSU and Lakehead University will enter into a formal agreement to ensure that:

• students’ needs and voices are prioritized in the planning and design of the building;
• the Orillia Student Union Centre will be an integral part of the building; and
• new spaces align with principles of accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability.

If the referendum does not pass or does not meet the quorum (20% of the Orillia student population voting), these enhanced student spaces will not be realized together or will not be realized in a reasonable timeframe to meet current needs. Students would rely on existing spaces, which many have identified as insufficient for a growing campus.

The referendum presents an opportunity for students to shape the future of their campus. The new building will prioritize student-centered spaces and services, fostering a more vibrant and inclusive campus environment. It follows successful examples of student union-university collaborations like Trent University’s student centre, Nipissing University Student Union’s student centre, and Toronto Metropolitan University’s well-being centre, all partially funded and shaped through student contributions.

 

Key Referendum Details

Referendum Campaign Registration Period: February 3 to February 14

Campaign Period: February 15 to March 12

Polling Period: March 3 at 8:30 AM to March 12 at 11:59 PM

Students will receive an email on March 3 with online voting instruction with the above information and the referendum question:

“Do you support a fee of $50 per term for the development of a new building at Lakehead Orillia, which will house the Orillia Student Union Centre?”

 

Get Involved

Students are encouraged to participate by:

• Learning about the referendum and its potential impacts.
• Informally campaigning by debating and discussing the referendum with peers.

This referendum is your opportunity to decide the future of student spaces at Lakehead Orillia. Make your voice heard by voting from March 3 to March 12.

Informal Campaigning

Students not registered as part of a formal campaign may still engage in informal campaigning. This includes discussing the referendum with peers or sharing their perspectives online and in-person. However, informal campaigns do not have access to the resources or platforms available to registered campaigns, such as a budget or the ability to make and distribute materials.