Sunny days are forecasted for the relationship between Vanier and Harrington, as the used-to-be-rival residences share the same building this year due to extensive renovations of Harrington Hall.
“During Welcome Week alone, our relationship has already seen a marked difference from what it used to be. It’s become a lot more amicable than it was before,” said Anisha Romany, president of Vanier.
The residences have already collaborated on two events during Welcome Week and are looking at having more throughout the year.
“I’m excited to see how we behave as the year progresses,” Romany said. “Our house committees have already bonded quite well and we hope that our residents follow suit.”
Harrington president Autumn Lawrence echoed these sentiments.
“The split is going really well so far,” said Lawrence. “Both Harrington’s and Vanier’s [house committee] teams are working together to keep a positive and comfortable atmosphere for the residents of our houses. Everything is looking good so far and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds.”
While living in the Vanier building, Harrington has retained its house committee, residence advisors and coordinators. However, it must abide by the Vanier house rules.
“We had a bit of difficulty regarding the kitchen and keeping it in good working order, but our [residence advisors] are doing a great job enforcing the rules for all our residents,” Romany said.
The house is nearly full with 158 students living in the Vanier building, 89 of whom are on the Harrington side.
“Having more people in the house is quite exciting and a little different, but I think we’re coping very well,” said Romany.
Complaints have been minimal from the Vanier side.
“There were more complaints last year,” said Romany. “Seeing how everything is coming together, people haven’t really been complaining to my knowledge. Unless it’s about dealing with having a third key, which is a bit of a hassle.”
Instead of having two keys, one to get into the building and another to get into one’s room, residents have an extra key (identical to the building key) to get into their hallway.
Not only is the split going well, but so too are the renovations of the Harrington building.
“They’re finishing up what they call the demolition phase and now there’s going to be a series of contractors coming in for the renovating of all the components of the building,” said Scott Duguay, associate vice-president of enrolment management.
Those components include soundproofing, plumbing, electrical services, washroom layout, updated furniture and a main kitchenette. Additionally, instead of central heating, each room will have a thermostat.
So far, the university is staying on its $6.1-million budget for the renovations, has run into no difficulties and is on track to be finished by September 2017.
Harrington, built in 1964, is the first of the on-campus residences to be renovated. Vanier is scheduled to be renovated next, but no plans have been approved yet.
