A participatory approach to the Campus Master Plan

Consultation process and key activities

A multi-phased consultation process engaged both internal and external partners, ensuring a shared vision for Concordia’s future. Highlights of the process include:

1,150+ participants: students, faculty, staff, neighbours and strategic partners contributed to discussions.
Workshops on filters: developed core values such as Indigenous Decolonization, inclusion, sustainability and campus identity.
Online engagement: Surveys and interactive platforms collected more than 800 contributions and 760 responses.
City collaboration: regular consultations with City of Montreal officials addressed urban integration, mobility and heritage preservation.

Focus areas from community feedback

Key themes and areas for improvement based on consultations include:

Green spaces and sustainability

Increase tree coverage and introduce more green roofs.
Enhance biodiversity and urban agriculture initiatives.
Expand outdoor learning and gathering spaces.

Mobility and accessibility

Improve pedestrian and cycling pathways.
Strengthen access to multi-modal transportation options.
Create better connections between campus buildings and city transit networks.

Campus life and identity

Develop vibrant indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.
Improve lighting, signage and wayfinding to unify campus spaces.

Heritage and development

Balance modernization with heritage preservation.
Plan densification strategies that respect Concordia’s architectural identity.

Indigenous consultation and collaboration

The Office of Indigenous Directions played a crucial role in defining and integrating the Indigenous Decolonization filter into the Campus Master Plan. A working group developed criteria for space planning, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are reflected in campus development. To strengthen Indigenous representation, a dedicated Indigenous student workshop took place as part of the collaboration activities.

Public engagement at both campuses

University-wide engagement activities

Workshops on filters: four workshops were held with internal working groups to define the core values of the Campus Master Plan.
Workshops on scenario development: students, faculty, staff and experts in accessibility and inclusivity collaborated to assess development scenarios, refining priorities for campus planning, mobility, public space enhancements and more.
Online consultation platform: activities included an interactive idea wall and engagement map, where community members contributed ideas on urban mobility, campus identity, green space improvements and development priorities.

Loyola Campus feedback

Public information session (February 2023): engaged 200+ participants, covering themes such as biodiversity, parking and sustainable urban agriculture.
Survey results: 763 responses, with more than 50 per cent approval for proposals on green spaces, sustainable mobility and campus design.

Sir George Williams Campus feedback

Workshops and meetings: explored key themes such as:
- Revitalization of Mackay, Bishop and Guy streets, improving pedestrian and public space experiences.
- Redevelopment of Ste. Catherine Street West, addressing urban density and public realm improvements.
Survey results: Participants prioritized pedestrian-friendly urban design, enhanced sustainable mobility and expanded green spaces in downtown Montreal.

Consultation reports

Read the consultation reports to explore detailed community insights:

Ideas wall and map report (August 2021) — French only
Survey report (February 2022) — French only
Executive summary: Loyola Campus public information session (February 2023)
Survey report (March 2023)

Return to the Campus Master Plan overview