Victoria Chapel Reopens: A Beloved Space, Reimagined
By Samantha Chater
Victoria College’s historic chapel has reopened—renewed, refreshed and ready for the future. The Vic community gathered on June 19 for an open house to celebrate the transformation of this historic space.
The eight-month renovation has transformed the chapel into a modern, versatile room while retaining its historic and architectural charms. The extensive renovation included lowering the chapel stage to allow for an accessibility ramp and a new central light fixture to brighten the space. A retractable projector screen, removable seating and improved soundproofing make the chapel suitable for everything from lectures to weddings.
A generous gift from Brian Johnston Vic 8T1 and Colleen Johnston made the restoration possible, ensuring the chapel remains a vibrant part of campus life for years to come.
Take a look inside the restored Vic Chapel—and hear what it means to those who knew it best.
“The highlight of the renovation for me was the light fixture. I was here the day they were installing it, and to watch that light come on and brighten the space—give it that open feel—it was transformative.” — Sean March of Baird Sampson Neuert Architects, the design consultants for the Victoria Chapel renovation.
“I think the work on the columns was fantastic. They were stripped down to the original raw material, which speaks to the manufacturing process of sand casting.” — Jesse Dormody of Baird Sampson Neuert Architects.
‘This project has been years in the making. It’s a thoughtful transformation that honours the past while preparing the chapel for the future.” — Jennifer Ankrett, chief administrative officer and bursar at Victoria University.
“The renovation has opened up the space. I love that. Before, it felt a little crowded, but now you can really see the beauty of all the details.”— Majlinda Karroqe, a housekeeper at Victoria University.
“It looks a lot brighter in here, and I think it makes the stained glass windows pop even more than they did before, which is really nice.” — Lila Carr Vic 2T5, a recent graduate from Victoria College.
“Before, the space was difficult to use—there were pillars and fixed seats and it wasn’t easy to gather people. Now it’s much better. Just having open space and adding moveable chairs makes it so much more usable.” — Alexandra Johnston Vic 6T1, former principal of Victoria College.
“It’s such a big improvement. I like the big new light fixture and the feature walls. They fit in really nicely with the rest of the space.” — Kathryn Cumming Vic 7T4, member of the Victoria Women's Association member and chair of the Friends of the Victoria University Library.
“I’m glad they kept the pews around the dais because those could be used again someday.”— Nancy Ruhnke Vic 7T3, former chair and member of the Friends of the Victoria University Library, who was also married in the chapel.
“I remember how we used the chapel when I was an undergraduate: morning worship, even agnostic professors leading services. It was just wonderful. I miss the past, but not because of this new beautiful, bright space.” — Peter Wyatt Vic 6T6 Emm 8T3, former principal of Emmanuel College and professor emeritus.
“I love that we were able to preserve the organ façade, but we’re also on the hunt for a new organ for the space, maybe from a church that no longer needs one. For me, it’s such an integral part of both the history and the future of this chapel.”— Rhonda McEwen, president of Victoria University.
“We preserved so much of the chapel’s heritage while revitalizing it as a multipurpose, accessible space at the heart of our campus.” — Vikas Mehta, associate chief administrative officer of operations, infrastructure and sustainability.
“We helped restore so many historical details of the space the stained glass windows, the cast-iron columns and the archways.” — Kambiz Jahromi, director of campus operations.
“As a student, I remember attending awards ceremonies and graduation events in the Vic Chapel, in the days when there was no Isabel Bader Theatre. During the years I was principal, I attended many guest lectures and conference talks there. The chapel always had a special aura, although the sound quality and the rickety screen and mobile projector could never quite be relied on. Now, with these amazing renovations, from the historic stained glass windows to the elegant new acoustic panels, the space has become an amazing resource for the whole community to use and enjoy.” —Professor Angela Esterhammer Vic 8T3, former principal of Victoria College.