October 10, 2025
- Week 1 of the DSR Renovation project is done! It’s been a busy week for our general contractors with plenty of demolition to our beloved rooms.
- Check out the progress and come back regularly as we will add more photos throughout the process: Progress Photos
- We’ve also developed an FAQ of most commonly asked questions: DSR Construction FAQ
October 2, 2025
- Work begins Monday, October 6!
- Locations 206, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320: By the end of Friday, October 3, all items being kept will be packed and stored, furniture being disposed of will be removed, and furniture being kept will be moved to its new location. Effective October 6, these spaces will be unavailable until project completion.
- Kitchen Services: An admin kitchenette will be set up in room 307A with mini fridge and water cooler. A kitchenette will also be set up in room 224 with a family sized fridge, microwave, coffee machine, and water cooler. There will be no running water or dish cleaning facilities. Water coolers with bottled water will be provided.
- A construction schedulewill be available soon and will be shared with all.
September 26
- This week the general contractors conducted a site tour of the rooms in preparation for their construction schedule. We’re hoping to have a firm space transfer date in the next two weeks.
- Another smaller space upgrade is also about to happen. Room 208 will be upgraded with a ceiling mount projector and pull-down screen replacing the smart TV that will be removed and repurposed in one of our newly renovated rooms. The wall where the TV is mounted will be patched, and HDMI and data ports will be relocated. New, more flexible furniture will be added in the spring.
September 12, 2025
- The project team met with the general contractors on September 10 to review the scope of the project and address any questions.
- With no significant issues or questions to be addressed, the next steps will be for U of T’s procurement office to issue the PO and the general contract to prepare a preliminary schedule of construction.
- “Construction kick off” is expected to begin in October. The team also received a furniture procurement update from U of T’s Office of Infrastructure Planning. We expect to receive furniture samples and finish samples in the next few months.
September 5, 2025
- Week of September 1, 2025: Packing up of rooms 318
- Week of September 8, 2025: Project team pre-award meeting with general contractor; continue packing room 317 and 318
June 18, 2025
The DSR renovation project is finally about to begin! The next steps are shown below – along with renderings of the spaces to give you an idea of what's being done. Note that furniture and colour selections have yet to be finalized. Check back regularly for updates!
- Week of June 23, 2025: Site visits by general contractors interested in bidding on the project
- Week of June 30, 2025: General contractor selection and approvals
July 28-August 8, 2025: Packing up of rooms 206, 316, 317, 318, 319; removal of furnitureAugust 11-29: Handover of space to general contractors
Renovation Project Team
Department for the Study of Religion, Chair: Pamela Klassen
Department for the Study of Religion, Department Manager: Michael Twamley
Property Management, Property Manager: Marcelo Lima Figueiroa Office of Infrastructure and Planning, Senior Space Planner: Kate Slotek
BVT Architect Inc., Architect: Barbora Vorac Taylor
MJ Dixon Construction Limited