Honeycomb Archway Unveiled at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa
The Honeycomb Archway was unveiled at Ontario Tech University’s Windfields Farm Lands in Oshawa on August 6. The event featured a ribbon cutting and a thank-you ceremony for partners, supporters, and donors.
Ontario Tech University states that the archway is intended to serve as a gathering area and garden space. According to the university, the project focused on reconciliation, sustainability, and accessibility, and its design process included input from Indigenous Peoples, local businesses, and government representatives.
Three architectural technologist students from Durham College’s Faculty of Science, Engineering and Information Technology participated in the construction of the archway, according to Ontario Tech University. The university reports that these students received support from the Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability (OCIS), Unity Architects, and the Brilliant Catalyst start-up incubator. The university also states that the participation of the students was funded in part by the Experience Ventures program.
Ontario Tech University says the Honeycomb Archway is surrounded by a community garden that contributes to the Ontario Tech University Pollinator Project, which is part of the David Suzuki Foundation Butterflyway project. The university states the garden also connects to other campus initiatives such as Bee City and the Library Seed Project. OCIS partnered with Mobi-Mat to provide accessible pathways to and around the structure during the event, according to the university.
The university reports that Elder Dorothy Taylor attended the unveiling, led a smudging ceremony, and spoke about Indigenous respect for nature. Ontario Tech University describes the land where the archway stands as returned to nature, which the university connects to the project's reconciliation theme.
Ontario Tech University acknowledged contributions from various supporters, including Butterflyway volunteers, local businesses, Unity Architects, WAC-Watts Accessibility Consulting, and others.
In a statement from Ontario Tech University, Deanna Young, Architectural Planner with the Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability, said the Honeycomb Archway Project involved collaboration between the university and the community, and provided hands-on experience for students through its design and construction.