The University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) has approved $50,000 for a building feasibility study at the March 27 UMSU board of directors meeting.
The motion was put forward by the executive committee and called for a feasibility study to “assess the viability, costs and potential benefits of establishing a dedicated UMSU building.”
The motion passed with nine votes in favour, three opposed and two abstentions.
As part of UMSU’s five-year strategic plan, which was launched on March 13, one of the six goals included increasing UMSU’s physical presence.
UMSU president Divya Sharma stated that UMSU put out a request for proposal for multiple different architectural firms and opted to proceed with Number Ten Architectural Group — who was responsible for designing UMSU University Centre in the 1960s.
The budget proposal from Number Ten Architectural Group for the feasibility study amounts to $46,400, not including taxes and other services.
The proposed costs include the development of a project charter at $5,500, development of a facility space program and site analysis each at $9,200, a preliminary design at $19,500 and a cost estimate at $3,000.
Sharma previously stated in February that the university owns the majority of UMSU University Centre, but that UMSU has “very limited space inside.”
The UMSU offices and the majority of UMSU businesses are all located in UMSU University Centre.
The motion stated that “a dedicated space would allow UMSU to properly support student groups, clubs and community initiatives, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic campus environment.”
It also stated that an UMSU-owned building would create new revenue sources, “helping to offset operational costs and reduce financial burdens on students.”
Sharma said that funds for the building would in-part come from UMSU’s capital fund.
UMSU collects $39.44 annually from each student for the capital fund as part of the UMSU fee, described as a fund which “covers large projects, renovations and maintenance for UMSU owned spaces and businesses.”
“Our capital fund is exceptionally healthy,” said Sharma, claiming that UMSU is a $16 million organization. “We’re actively looking to make good investments,” she added.
UMSU vice-president finance and operations Carolyn Wang did not respond to the Manitoban’s inquiry on the fund’s value by the publication deadline.
Wang also did not respond to the Manitoban’s inquiry on whether UMSU owns any space in UMSU University Centre or has lease agreements in place.
Sharma stated that she expects the feasibility study to take “quite a number of months.”
“I know the students that are going to use this building and benefit from it will greatly appreciate the investment this board makes into making this project possible,” said Sharma.
