Capital Planning

Major Capital (Five-Year Capital Plan)

The university's 5-Year Capital Plan is a roadmap that guides the institution's strategic development and growth for major capital projects $5M or greater in value. 

The 5-Year Capital Plan is updated and approved annually by the Board of Governors and submitted to the Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills for consideration for future government funding allocations. Once submitted, the university will receive direction from the Ministry regarding next steps.

The university is moving toward a strong focus on building renewal and space optimization to address existing deficiencies and adapt infrastructure to support evolving ways of working and service delivery.

The Five-Year Capital Plan is guided by an annual process, outlined through the Capital Planning Guidelines. The Guidelines establish the process for submitting Unit capital project needs, ensuring they are reviewed and considered alongside other institutional needs and funding requirements. 

The Capital Planning Guidelines apply to all academics, administrative, and auxiliary units seeking approval for Major and Capital Projects.

Our university's capital priorities are driven by four core Guiding Principles, ensuring that every project contributes to the institution's long-term success and sustainability:

Alignment with Strategic Plan

All projects are carefully designed to align with our Strategic Plan, supporting the university's long-term goals and fostering growth in line with our institutional mission.

Focus on Reuse and Redevelopment

We prioritize meeting program needs through the reuse and redevelopment of existing spaces, minimizing the need for new infrastructure. Where possible, projects will also address deferred maintenance to enhance the efficiency and lifespan of campus facilities.

Maximizing Synergies and Resources

Our approach emphasizes collaboration and resource optimization. Proposed projects will focus on utilizing funding, space, and land in a coordinated and efficient manner, ensuring the best use of available resources.

Strong Return on Investment

Each project is designed to generate a strong financial return, whether through direct payback or by achieving significant cost savings through resources synergies.

The 5-Year Capital Planning process takes place from January to July each year to identify Major Capital priorities: 

timeline

The capital planning process is informed through engagement with Unit Leaders from all Facilities and relevant departments including the University Libraries, University Systems, Residence Services, Campus Services and Facilities Management. OCPS will lead the engagement process to understand capital needs. Improvements may be related to:

  • Growth: Addition of new facilities or optimization of existing facilities to serve student demand and enrollment growth.
  • Excellence: Improvements to existing facilities for student, program or research needs.
  • Targeted Investment: Strategic investments to support university priorities and/or the development of strategic partnerships.

Capital Planning Advisory Team (CPAT)

CPAT supports UVic’s long-term infrastructure planning by evaluating and prioritizing major capital project requests. The team provides expert advice to Executive Council, ensuring proposed projects align with institutional goals, address deferred maintenance, and deliver cost-effective, strategic outcomes. CPAT also guides space optimization efforts and reviews significant space allocation changes tied to academic or research program needs.

If you have further questions on the Five-Year Capital Plan process, email planning@uvic.ca