Supporting services and sustaining impact
As Concordia navigated a year shaped by financial pressures, Budget Planning and Business Development supported the university’s efforts to balance responsible stewardship with its ongoing commitment to services, sustainability and the community.
Working alongside the Vice-President Services and Sustainability (VPSS) units, Budget Planning and Business Development brings a broad, integrated view of operations.
“My role is about understanding the full picture,” says Sabrina Lavoie, director of Budget Planning and Business Development. “I look at what’s being proposed, what’s feasible, and what the real impact will be on the community. It’s about helping the sector make informed decisions while being clear about what those decisions mean in practice.”
Navigating complexity with a community lens
Over the 2024-25 academic year, the sector’s advisory role continued to support the university as it responded to cumulative budget reductions. Drawing on institutional knowledge and cross-sector insight, Lavoie worked closely with Service and Sustainability units to review proposed measures, identify risks and support coordinated financial planning.
This work helped support changes that were not only financially sound but also discussed across VPSS units and implemented with a deeper understanding of their broader impact on campus life.
“It’s not just about numbers, it’s about what those numbers represent: services, spaces, and experiences that matter to people. Our role is to help connect those dots, so decisions are made thoughtfully and with transparency.”
Generating revenue to sustain services
Revenue-generating activities in 2024-25 continued to play an important role in supporting university-wide operations and helping to offset financial pressures.
During the summer season, the Grey Nuns Residence welcomed guests from around the world, generating more than $1.5 million in gross revenue, a 7 per cent increase from the previous year. Major city events such as Grand Prix and Osheaga contributed to a sold-out season, reinforcing Concordia’s presence in Montreal while bringing new financial resources into the university.
Hospitality Concordia, which oversees conferences and events, also saw a strong year, hosting several major academic and industry events and strengthening Concordia’s reputation as a destination for academic exchange.
Among the events was the Accessible Canada - Accessible World Conference, which highlighted the university’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion with built-in supports such as simultaneous translation, captioning, sign language interpretation, low-sensory spaces, and accommodations for service animals.
As a self-funded unit, Budget Planning and Business Development covers most of its operations through the revenue it generates, reducing pressure on the sector’s operating budget and reinvesting its surplus funds.
“When we bring people onto campus, whether it’s for conferences, events, or summer stays, that’s new revenue coming into the university,” says Lavoie. “That additional revenue helps offset operational costs and helps to support the financial sustainability of the university.”
Strengthening community through connection and opportunity
Beyond financial and operational contributions, Budget Planning and Business Development supported initiatives that strengthened connections within the Concordia community and beyond.
Residence Life advanced student wellbeing through targeted initiatives, including securing a $10,000 grant from the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur to enhance harm reduction programming and student outreach, as well as supporting a student-led evaluation to inform future initiatives. In parallel, a partnership with Career Counselling and Educational Transition Services introduced one-time counselling sessions to support students transitioning into university life.
Across the unit, Business Services and Hospitality continued to provide employment opportunities for students, while partnerships with academic programs created hands-on learning and real-world experience.
Food Services also played a role in supporting community-focused initiatives and advancing sustainability goals. Operational initiatives continued to support Concordia’s Sustainability Action Plan, including prioritizing plant-based and locally sourced food options to help reduce the environmental impact of Food Services. Several newly renovated retail spaces were also launched under the newly created Stingers Roast brand, elevating the presence of Food Services on campus, while educating the community about Fairtrade.
At Loyola, the Buzz Dining Hall hosted the longstanding NDG Community Council holiday meal, welcoming more than 950 campus neighbours, including families, seniors, and individuals experiencing housing insecurity. Residence students remaining on campus during the holidays were also invited to participate, creating a shared and inclusive celebration.
Additional achievements included Food Services’ role in Concordia being recognized as a Fairtrade Silver Campus, celebrated with a community coffee event, and winning an award from Aliments du Québec au menu for integrating local Quebec products into campus dining.
Looking ahead
As the university continues to navigate financial challenges, Lavoie remains focused on finding opportunities to grow revenue, strengthen partnerships, and support services that matter to the community.
“Everything we do is about supporting Concordia as a whole,” says Lavoie. “When we’re successful in generating revenue and making informed decisions, that success is shared across the university. It helps sustain the services and experiences that our community relies on every day.”
