Construction ended on the first Place Riel Student Center in 1981, and has stood as a hub for student services and activities for over twenty-five years. As time changes, so do the needs of students and their demands on the buildings that they built. The student population at the University is diverse and at times it can be difficult to meet the entire student bodies needs; however this truly represents the potential of the new Place Riel renovation and expansion.

The new Place Riel will look towards the future for students, providing more space and services with a truly integrated design. With an increase in food outlets and seating capacity in the sub levels of the building, students will be able to enjoy a meal or just sit and relax with friends without being bothered by the busy through traffic from the redesigned bus terminal. This coupled with a larger and friendlier space for the global commons will act as a gateway for Canadian and international students to feel welcome and create an inclusive atmosphere. Examples of integrated designs to help students feel welcome are numerous and outline the commitment to put students first.

Environmental concerns about the operational impacts of campus have been a growing focus of students over recent years and have been incorporated into the construction of the building. Students have shown campus that all construction projects and operations at this University need to be done with concern for long term impact to the environment. That is why the Student’s Union executive and council have decided to move ahead with LEED certification for the building, making environmentally efficient design an important focus for the future of students, and becoming the first students center in Canada with this focus.

The students of the University are the leaders of this campus, and this building is an extension of their vision for what campus should be. This building and its future will serve students and their interests for years to come. In the end, it’s their campus, their Union, and their building.