Lakehead Orillia Building Referendum 2025

Lakehead University and the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) are proposing a new building at the Orillia campus to enhance student life and academic experiences. To fund this initiative, a referendum is being held to seek student approval for a $50 per term fee.

Proposed Features of the New Building:

- Relocation 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), offering:

  - Spaces addressing food security and community building

  - Areas for clubs and students to meet, host events, and study

  - Enhanced facilities for LUSU staff, representatives, and volunteers

If approved, the fee could be implemented as early as September 2025. A formal agreement between LUSU and Lakehead University would ensure that student needs are prioritized in the planning and design, with a focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Key Referendum Details: 

- Campaign Period: February 15 to March 12

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

- Voting Method: Online, with instructions emailed to students on March 3

- 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?" 

A minimum of 20% student participation is required for quorum. If the referendum does not pass or fails to meet quorum, the proposed enhancements may be delayed or not realized, and students would continue to use existing spaces, which are considered insufficient for the growing campus population.

Students are encouraged to participate by learning about the referendum, discussing it with peers, and voting during the polling period.