Skip to content

News: Expanding into Eastern Ontario through the acquisition of Fishburn Sheridan & Associates

The Perimeter Institute
Education 

The Perimeter Institute

Location

Waterloo, Ontario

Partners

Teeple Architects

Project overview

The Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics redeveloped its Waterloo campus with a major building addition. MTE Consultants provided civil and environmental engineering support throughout the project.

The expansion added approximately 55,000 sq. ft. of research space while remaining within the allowable site footprint. Located within the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) floodway, adjacent to Silver Lake, the project required careful coordination with the GRCA to obtain permits and approvals.

Completed in 2011 as the Institute’s second phase, the addition was designed by Toronto-based Teeple Architects to accommodate the growth of Perimeter’s research, training, and outreach activities. Using locally sourced materials, energy-efficient systems, green roofs, and other sustainable features, the expansion combines bold architectural design with a commitment to environmental stewardship, reflecting the Institute’s vision for innovation and sustainability.

MTE's Involvement

MTE provided civil and environmental engineering services for the 2nd phase of the Perimeter Institute.

Our Site Development team prepared a site grading and servicing plan, details and notes plan, and existing conditions and removals plan, ensuring the project met strict site constraints while supporting the building’s advanced infrastructure. The team also provided ongoing construction inspection to maintain design intent and quality throughout the build.

MTE’s Environmental team developed a detailed work plan to address potentially contaminated fill encountered during the expansion and site servicing, enabling safe, compliant construction. This work supported the Institute’s broader sustainability goals, which included energy-efficient systems, green roofs, and the use of locally sourced materials, contributing to the building’s environmentally responsible and forward-thinking design.