SDG 11 - Strategic Initiatives
Public Access: buildings, museums, cultural spaces, landscapes
Western University offers public access to various cultural and educational spaces, including museums, galleries, and exhibition areas. These venues provide opportunities for the community to engage with science, art, and history. Each space is open to the public and showcases unique collections, exhibitions, and programs that contribute to education and cultural enrichment.
- Cronyn Observatory: Established in 1940, the Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory at Western offers free public stargazing events, educational presentations, and period rooms.
- McIntosh Gallery: Founded in 1942, this public art gallery offers exhibitions and visual arts education. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
- Museum of Ontario Archaeology: Established in 1933, this not-for-profit Affiliated Research Institute holds over two million Indigenous and Pioneer artifacts.
- ArtLab at Western University: Ongoing student exhibitions are showcased for public viewing throughout the academic year.
- Archives and Special Collections: Located in Weldon Library, this collection includes rare books, monographs, and serials with a particular emphasis on the history of southwestern Ontario. Collections are available for free public viewing.
- Wampum Learning Lodge: This intercultural public space is dedicated to Indigenous knowledge, featuring the sacred Ceremonial Arbour for respectful gatherings. The Lodge advances Reconciliation, Indigenization, and decolonization through collaborative programs with Indigenous communities and Western’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives.
- University College: One of the oldest buildings on campus, this structure is symbolic of Western and one of the most photographed buildings on campus.
- Sherwood Fox Arboretum: A botanical collection of planted and cultivated trees and shrubs that are used for scientific, educational, conservation, and ornamental purposes that thrive in our climate.
- St. John’s Chapel: The Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and available to the entire community as a calm, quiet space for prayer, reflection, and meditation. We warmly welcome people from every background and faith.
- Western Libraries: All of Western’s libraries are open to the public to browse for free and have guest borrowing options.
Campus Tours are available year-round and include visits to faculty buildings, residences, libraries, and more.
Public Access: libraries, books, and publications
Western University provides public access to its libraries, allowing visitors to browse collections for free. With the removal of borrowing fees for individuals and organizations, community members have greater access to books and publications for research, professional development, advocacy, and more. For more detailed information on borrowing options, you can visit Western Libraries’ Visitor Borrowing Options. The library provides information about accessing open content online that is free of charge. The Faculty of Education also hosts an Open Resources Page, providing open and free content for students and the community.
Green Spaces
Western provides free public access to our open spaces and green spaces. Our campus grounds encompass nearly 500 hectares within the Carolinian Life Zone, the most biodiverse region in Canada. The Deshkan Ziibi (Thames River) flows through our grounds, home to various species, including the at-risk spiny softshell turtle. Western campus borders the Medway Valley Heritage Forest, an environmentally significant area.
The Campus as a Living Lab program brings together collaborations of faculty, staff, students, community, and industry partners. Community members walk or cycle along the Thames Valley Parkway, which winds along the river directly onto campus.
Western University’s Open Space Strategy focuses on preserving the natural environment and enhancing conservation efforts. It affirms that “the campus’ collection of historic buildings, natural amenities and public open spaces are fundamental to the image of Western.”
Everyone is invited to explore campus by booking free in-person or virtual tours.
Record and Preserve Cultural Heritage
Western undertakes several initiatives to record and preserve intangible cultural heritage, including local folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge. Here are a few notable projects:
- Indigenous Language Revitalization: Western is actively involved in preserving Indigenous languages, a crucial part of Canada’s cultural heritage. This includes developing strategies and innovations for language revitalization, such as using digital technologies and internet platforms to make resources more accessible.
- Archives and Special Collections: Western is committed to acquiring, preserving, and providing access to special collections and archives, with a particular emphasis including the history of southwestern Ontario, especially London and Middlesex County, Canadian literature and history, Ontario private and small presses, Canadian travel and voyages, and Ontario textbooks.
- Community Engagement Projects: Faculty members, such as those in the Anthropology department, engage in projects that explore colonialism and the legacies of heritage in various communities. These projects often involve community engagement to preserve and value communal heritage.
- Neighbourhood History Project: This project collects and shares local London stories to preserve community heritage.
- Wampum Learning Lodge: This intercultural teaching, learning, and gathering space is designed with Indigenous epistemologies and pedagogies at its core. It facilitates and coordinates services and programming offered by Western’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives, advancing reconciliation, Indigenization, and decolonization, thereby preserving and promoting Indigenous cultural heritage.
Housing for Employees 
Western University supports its employees in finding affordable housing through several initiatives:
- Western University pays a living wage to its employees, allowing them to account for local living costs in London, Ontario.
- Faculty Relations has assembled this useful Guide to Housing in London. It lists houses or condos available to staff and faculty for rent or purchase.
- The Housing portfolio provides access to affordable, quality accommodations to students, staff, and visitors.
- Off-Campus Housing Services supports students and staff with their search for affordable accommodations.
Local Authority Collaboration Regarding Planning and Development
Western’s Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion partnered with local authorities on a housing project led by Indwell to address planning and development issues. The project’s main focus is providing affordable housing solutions for local residents. Please see the final report below.
Brownfield Sites
Western University’s Sustainable Design Guidelines require all building projects to achieve at minimum LEED Silver certification, with Gold and Platinum certifications considered on a project-by-project basis. LEED standards emphasize the significance of restoring and repurposing brownfield sites as a sustainable building practice. Currently, none of Western’s real estate qualifies as brownfield. Instead, the focus is on renovating existing buildings (see our completed projects) to meet LEED standards, as demonstrated by projects like the Weldon Library Revitalization and the Thames Hall Renovation. Any new builds must go through the Ontario Environment Assessment Process and be reviewed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability goals. This thorough review process helps guarantee that new constructions align with Western’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
