Ontario Construction News staff writer
VICTORIA, B.C. – The University of Victoria has officially launched construction of the National Centre for Indigenous Law (NCIL), marking a significant advancement in legal education. This facility will be the first in the world to offer a joint degree in Indigenous legal orders and Canadian common law.
The NCIL will be housed in a 29,000-sq. ft. mass timber building, designed to meet high environmental standards. The structure will feature public lecture theatres, classrooms, meeting spaces, and an Elder’s room, accommodating cultural practices such as smudging ceremonies.
Chandos Construction Vancouver is leading the project, which will include a seismic gap to ensure safety and structural integrity. The building aims for LEED Gold certification and will be fully powered by electricity, utilizing an electric boiler and air-source heat pump system for efficient heating and cooling. Innovative underground HVAC piping and radiant heating within the concrete slabs will also be integrated to enhance energy efficiency.
“By using mass timber and prefabricated materials, we are creating a sustainable building that sequesters carbon throughout its lifecycle,” said a university spokesperson. The facility will also incorporate a stormwater management system and solar energy considerations.
The Khowutzun Development Corporation (KDC), a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned business, is partnering with the university for civil construction and excavation work. This collaboration aims to involve smaller Indigenous contractors and vendors from the Cowichan Valley, with 19 per cent of the project budget already allocated to local Indigenous communities.
“This project represents a significant step towards reconciliation and the integration of Indigenous perspectives in law,” said a KDC representative. “We are creating a space that honors Indigenous knowledge while fostering future leaders in the field.”
The National Centre for Indigenous Law is expected to become a vital hub for legal education and community engagement. Construction is currently underway, with completion anticipated in the near future.