A watermain break has forced Trent University to close its Symons Campus in Peterborough for the remainder of the week, resulting in the cancellation of in-person classes and requiring students living in campus residences to make arrangements to leave immediately.
The closure took effect at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday (September 22) and is expected to continue through Sunday, September 27, with in-person classes and regular campus operations expected to resume Monday, September 28.
According to a university advisory, the watermain break has affected the primary water service to Symons Campus. While the university says there is no imminent risk to personal safety, the disruption has affected water availability across campus, requiring buildings and services to close while repairs are completed.
The university says it is working with contractors to restore service as quickly as possible.
All in-person classes and labs at Symons Campus are cancelled during the closure. Faculty and instructors will contact affected students directly, and some classes may move to remote delivery where possible.
As Traill College in downtown Peterborough is unaffected by the watermain break, classes and operations there will continue uninterrupted. Trent’s Durham GTA Campus and online classes are also unaffected.
Buildings at Symons Campus — including Bata Library, the Student Centre, the Athletics Centre, and all colleges — will remain closed and locked, with access limited to essential operations.
The university has directed faculty, staff, students, and visitors to leave campus immediately, asking those departing to exercise caution and patience. Exceptions may be made for essential research facilities and onsite operations, with anyone requiring building access asked to contact Campus Safety.
Staff who can work remotely are asked to do so. Supervisors will notify employees who are required to remain on campus.
The closure also affects residences at Champlain, Lady Eaton, Otonabee, and Gzowski colleges. Students living in those residences are required to arrange to return home if they are able.
Students who are unable to leave will receive information about accessing alternative accommodations. Student Housing will contact affected residents directly, and limited food services will remain available on Tuesday while students arrange to depart.
Students living in residences at Traill College and in the Annex residences may remain, although food services on Symons Campus will be limited. All residence students are advised to monitor their email for messages from Student Housing.
“The university recognizes this disruption will affect many members of our community,” the advisory states.
“Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and understanding as we work to restore water service and safely resume normal campus operations.”
Updates will be provided through the Trent Safety App, university email, and at www.trentu.ca/advisory.
