Renovation adds classroom, study areas and student amenities to support growing Laurier Milton community

Oct. 2, 2025

As Wilfrid Laurier University’s Milton campus enters its second academic year, the newly expanded Laurier Milton Academic Centre stands as a testament to growth, momentum and commitment to student success.

Over the summer, the centre underwent a transformative renovation, adding 5,300 square feet and bringing its total footprint to 23,600 square feet. The upgrades include Laurier Milton’s largest classroom to date, a dedicated faith and spirituality space, new faculty offices, meeting rooms and study spaces.

The enhancements reflect Laurier’s vision for a thriving academic environment tailored to the needs of local and commuter students in Milton and surrounding communities. The new spaces also support Laurier Milton’s newest program, Business Technology Management (BTM), which welcomed its first cohort this academic year, along with growing enrolment in existing programs including Computer Science and Psychology.

“To use a slogan of Laurier, I think ‘inspiring’ is the word that I would use to describe the renovation,” says Brett Miller, manager: capital project management at Laurier. “We really focused on providing a space that had a huge amount of school spirit. We utilized a lot of purple and gold within our interior finishes, as well as providing as much access to natural light as possible.”

Expansion highlights include a new 94-seat classroom, eight new faculty offices, a faculty research space, a faith and spirituality room, two new meeting rooms, multiple new study rooms, open collaboration areas and an upgraded HVAC system. The renovations were completed on a compressed timeline, with construction beginning in May and wrapping up by mid-August – just in time to welcome students for the fall term.

Student-centred design

For Laurier Milton campus manager Patricia Kousoulas, the expansion is more than just an increase in square footage – it’s a reflection of Laurier Milton’s commitment to its students.

“It’s not just more space, but it’s the quality of the space that was added,” says Kousoulas. “Every decision we made regarding the renovation was made with students in mind. Every space was intentionally designed based on feedback and experiences from our first year.”

Kousoulas notes that Laurier Milton’s new classroom allows for more flexible scheduling, supporting the commuter lifestyle of many Milton students. Additional faculty offices and meeting rooms foster greater access to mentorship and collaboration, while study spaces and lounge areas create a more connected and inclusive campus atmosphere.

“Having more space gives our students more reasons to be here, which then adds to our vibrant campus life in Milton,” says Kousoulas.

Laurier Milton students say they are impressed by the renovation.

“This space is so cozy,” first-year BTM student Tahreem Naveed says while taking a break at Laurier Milton’s Hungry Goose Cafe. “It’s easy to follow and everything is really well done.”

“Aesthetically, it is really pleasing to look at,” added Rabia Sheikh, also a BTM student. “The study spaces and the classrooms are all very nice.”

Muhammad Qureshi, a Computer Science student, said he finds the Laurier Milton Academic Centre a welcoming and inclusive space.

“It’s comfortable – the spacing, the seating and design,” says Qureshi.

It ‘takes a village’

Completing a project like the Milton Academic Centre renovation on a compressed timeline “takes a village,” says Miller. He credited project manager Meagan Sitek; interior design and renovations coordinator Tessa MacDonald; and capital projects assistant Karolyn Kane-Flynn for their work. Laurier’s Information and Communication Technologies, Facilities and Asset Management, and Creative Services teams also contributed to the renovation project.

“We want to create the best built environments possible for students, faculty and staff so they can thrive during their time here and set themselves up for future success,” says Miller. “I believe the Milton campus is a great example of that.”

With two cohorts now enrolled and the BTM program underway, the renovation signals Laurier’s long-term investment in Milton. In addition to the Milton Academic Centre at 555 Industrial Drive, future development is planned within the Milton Education Village, located alongside the Niagara Escarpment.

“To see an expansion of this scale after just one year is a powerful reflection of the university’s investment and long-term commitment to Laurier Milton,” says Kousoulas. “We want this campus experience to be the best and look forward to what the future brings.”

Learn more about Laurier in Milton.