Strategic initiatives in the Campus Master Plan
The Campus Master Plan incorporates key strategic initiatives that reflect Concordia's commitment to innovation, sustainability, equity and reconciliation. These initiatives guide the planning process and ensure the university’s future development aligns with its values and goals.
Indigenous Directions: Wa’tkwanonhwerá:ton
“Wa’tkwanonhwerá:ton,” meaning “Our minds greet yours” in Kanien’kéha, symbolizes Concordia’s commitment to reconciliation and decolonization. This commitment is outlined in the Indigenous Directions Action Plan, a living document designed to:
- Provide actionable steps toward reconciliation and decolonization.
- Celebrate Indigenous knowledge, research and communities.
- Guide Concordia toward becoming a more equitable and supportive institution for Indigenous peoples.
The Campus Master Plan integrates these objectives through the Indigenous Decolonization filter, ensuring all development respects and prioritizes Indigenous needs and perspectives. Specific criteria within the plan address language, sustainable design and strategies to honour Indigenous heritage.
Sustainability and the Campus Master Plan
Concordia defines sustainability as a mindset and process that reduces its ecological footprint while enhancing social well-being and maintaining economic viability. The Sustainability Action Plan outlines a vision for 2040, organized into five-year plans around five key themes:
- Climate
- Waste
- Food
- Research
- Curriculum
The Campus Master Plan primarily focuses on climate, waste and food, consolidating efforts into a cohesive framework. This approach ensures impactful, coordinated actions that enhance Concordia’s sustainability performance.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
Concordia’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is reflected in its 2020 EDI Working Group report. The recommendations centre on three pillars:
- Recruiting and maintaining a diverse community.
- Supporting inclusive teaching and research activities.
- Fostering an equitable, diverse and inclusive university culture.
The Campus Master Plan incorporates these principles by emphasizing:
- Universal accessibility.
- Inclusive design strategies like Gender and Intersectional Analysis (ADS+).
- Enhanced connections between the university, its surrounding communities and the city.
- Spaces for spontaneous gatherings, planned activities and social cohesion.
Additional contributions include the President’s Task Force on Anti-Black Racism, accessibility initiatives and a Facilities Management action plan to improve campus accessibility.
