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

University of Toronto Scarborough Indigenous House
Education 

University of Toronto Scarborough Indigenous House

Location

Scarborough, Ontario

Partners

LGA Architectural Partners, University of Toronto

Key personnel

Kayam Ramsewak, P.Eng., C.E.T.

Project overview

Following consultation with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, the University of Toronto is advancing the construction of a landmark facility at its Scarborough campus—a dedicated space for the celebration, preservation, and sharing of Indigenous culture. Inspired by the traditional form of a wigwam, the new Indigenous House will serve as a visible symbol of Indigenous presence and identity on campus.

Partially embedded into the landscape, the design embraces Indigenous values of sustainability, connection to land, and cultural continuity. The facility will support the revitalization of endangered Indigenous languages, promote intercultural learning, and provide space for teaching, ceremony, research, and reflection. Open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the campus community, the building is intended to foster dialogue, healing, and shared understanding.

With panoramic views of the surrounding ravines, the 1,250 m², two-storey structure will be a place of both community and scholarship, exemplifying principles of reconciliation and educational inclusion.

MTE's Involvement

MTE was honoured to support the realization of Indigenous House by providing civil engineering services for the site’s redevelopment. Our team was responsible for delivering detailed grading, servicing, and stormwater management designs required for Site Plan Approval and Building Permit.

The site, formerly a parking lot serving nearby university buildings, was transformed into a culturally significant and environmentally integrated space. In addition to the building itself, the design included underground servicing infrastructure, accessible parking, gardens, and landscaping that supported ecological function and aesthetic harmony with the natural surroundings.

Located at the top of a sloped ravine, the site posed unique design challenges related to grading and stormwater control. Our team developed solutions that protected the integrity of the ravine while maximizing the views and experiential value of the building’s upper-level gathering spaces.

MTE also supported the project through contract administration and inspection services for all civil works during construction.