Areas of opportunity for space optimization have been identified

Areas of opportunity within the Health Sciences Building have been identified to house new and expanding health science programs and to allow for remediation and modernization of spaces that have not been renovated since their original construction. These areas of opportunity were identified following a comprehensive space optimization study, assessments from external design consultants, and confirmation of alignment with the university’s Institutional Space Management Framework.

After considering possible options and applying recommendations from the space management framework, the space study, and external assessments, the Making the Most of our Health Sciences Building Project has prioritized work within specific parts of the building to minimize disruption, accommodate growth, and meet completion timelines​. Occupants who will be directly affected by work related to the project priorities outlined below have already been contacted.

Priority 1
The first stage of the project involves creating space for first of their kind health care training programs in Saskatchewan — Speech Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy within the School of Rehabilitation Sciences. To accommodate student intake by Fall 2026, work will be required in the following locations:

• B Wing 1st Floor: Renovations to create new teaching spaces and labs required for these programs in accordance with accreditation requirements.
• E Wing 3rd Floor: Renovations to develop faculty workspaces and areas for teaching support, study, and student support. This includes working closely with faculty in the school to develop a new unassigned activity-based workspace model.

Priority 2
The second stage of the project will further enhance support spaces and permanently relocate the spaces temporarily displaced during Priority 1. The following areas have been selected for renovations to be completed by 2028:

• E Wing 2nd Floor: The Clinical Learning Resource Centre (CLRC) will be enlarged to accommodate the increased number of learners and enhance supports for all learners.​
• B Wing 5th Floor: Displaced research spaces will be relocated here​ after selected areas on this floor have been remediated, with the total footprint for available research space being expanded.
• B Wing Ground Floor: Displaced teaching spaces will be relocated here​ after selected areas on this floor have been remediated. Additional bookable breakout rooms will also be created.

One of the goals of the Making the Most of our Health Sciences Building Project is to limit the breadth of renovation and refurbishment activities and minimize disruptions to teaching, learning, and research as much as possible. However, due to the interdependent nature of mechanical and electrical systems, some areas of the building in proximity of the priority areas may experience limited disruptions.

The scope of infrastructure access requirements (e.g., water, electricity, ventilation, etc.) and the potential impact to interconnected spaces is currently being determined. Information will be communicated to affected occupants as further details become available.

To learn more about unit-specific aspects of this project, university staff and faculty are encouraged to contact their people leader or email spaceoptimization@usask.ca.