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Durham College partners on Memory Forest project at Whitby Campus

Durham College (DC), Trees for Life, and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario are working together on a Memory Forest project at DC’s Whitby campus, with support from the Barrett Family Foundation.

A ceremony was held at the site on September 16 to mark the start of project with the planting of a single tree. Over the coming months, a section of the Whitby campus grounds will be developed as an accessible green space for people living with dementia, their caregivers, and other community members.

Plans for the space include native tree planting, accessible pathways, high-contrast wayfinding, tactile features, sensory plantings, and gathering areas. Trees for Life is contributing knowledge of native tree planting and urban greening as the site is developed, while the Alzheimer Society of Ontario is providing expertise related to dementia inclusion.

The Memory Forest will also involve DC learners in the care and development of the site. DC will lead the design of nature-based programming, while learners can contribute to stewardship activities and gain hands-on experience.

“The Memory Forest is a great example of how partnerships can create opportunities for DC and the broader community,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College. “We’re pleased to be working with Trees for Life and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario on this project and to provide a space that is welcoming to people living with dementia and their caregivers.”

Development of the Memory Forest is expected to continue into 2027 as DC and its community partners work to establish the new space at the Whitby campus.

New name, stronger connection: DC introduces RITS

Durham College (DC) has brought together its applied research, institutional research, co-op, and corporate training teams under a new name – Research, Innovation and Training Services (RITS) – reflecting their evolution and growing role in helping industry and community partners leverage DC’s talent, expertise, and capabilities.

“RITS combines Corporate Training Services’ strengths in business development and relationship management with the specialized technical expertise and research capacity of DC’s five research centres,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research. “Together, the team provides a single point of connection for our partners and creates measurable impact for people, organizations, and communities.”

As industry needs continue to evolve, RITS is focused on strengthening partnerships and forging new opportunities in priority areas including AI, immersive simulations, defence, and nuclear and energy sectors. Through these areas of focus, RITS leverages DC’s talent, technology and applied expertise to address real-world challenges and contribute to economic and community development.

RITS’ integrated approach also supports dynamic learning opportunities for students and employees while helping organizations and communities access the specialized knowledge, training and innovation they need to grow.

To learn more about RITS services or to explore partnership opportunities, visit the new RITS website.

Durham College joins Canadian Nuclear Association to support Canada’s energy workforce

Durham College (DC) has joined the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) as an affiliate member, strengthening its role in preparing the skilled professionals needed to support Canada’s growing nuclear sector and providing new opportunities for collaboration with industry leaders on education, skills development, and long-term workforce planning.

DC supports the development of the expertise and skills needed across clean energy through specialized academic programs, corporate training, applied research, and immersive learning experiences. The membership complements DC’s leadership role in the Canadian Clean Energy Workforce Consortium and builds on long-standing partnerships with organizations including Ontario Power Generation, Bruce Power, Ontario Tech University, and a broad network of regional nuclear suppliers.

“Education has an important role to play in preparing people with the skills employers need today and into the future,” said Robin Young, Executive Director, Business and Workforce Development, Corporate Training Services at DC. “Our partnerships with industry allow us to respond quickly to changing workforce demands and create learning opportunities that connect students and professionals with meaningful careers. Joining the Canadian Nuclear Association strengthens those connections so we can contribute to the future of the sector.”

As part of the CNA membership, Young will serve on the CNA Workforce Planning Advisory Council, bringing the college’s expertise to national discussions on future skills needs and workforce planning.

“We are pleased to welcome Durham College as an Affiliate Member of the Canadian Nuclear Association,” said George Christidis, President and CEO, CNA. “As Canada’s nuclear sector continues to grow, partnerships with leading educational institutions are essential to building the skilled workforce needed to support the industry’s future. We look forward to working with Durham College to strengthen talent development and help prepare the next generation of nuclear professionals.”

Through this partnership, Durham College looks forward to helping strengthen Canada’s nuclear workforce and contributing to a skilled, adaptable talent pipeline that will support the sector’s continued growth.

Kicking off the 2026-27 Academic Year at Durham College

This week, Durham College (DC) officially welcomed the 2026-27 academic year.

Classes began on Tuesday, September 8 at both our Oshawa and Whitby campuses, with approximately 10,800 students making DC their Best. Decision. Ever. More than half of those are first-year students beginning their journeys towards earning graduate certificates, diplomas and degrees in 145-plus market-driven programs.

We welcomed the first cohorts of students into four new future-focused programs, where they will gain the skills and experience employers are looking for in:

DC’s newest students had the opportunity to get a jump on their campus community experience over the last two weeks with our full slate of Academic Welcome events. There, they connected with faculty members and their new classmates, learned more about their programs, and explored the DC campus.

This year’s first day of classes was capped off with a record-setting Campus Cup, the annual event where DC’s men and women’s soccer teams battle their counterparts from Ontario Tech University. Over 2,000 fans set an attendance record to watch the action at Vaso’s Field, where DC’s women’s team won their game 1-0 while the men fell 2-1 in a competitive contest.

Fun Orientation events continue throughout September, including The Main Stage, Campus Con 5, Campus Rec Day and much more.

Whether you’re a new or returning student, or one of our accomplished faculty members and employees, we can’t wait to see what this academic year holds for you.

Start your own DC journey! Visit www.durhamcollege.ca to explore our programs, campus events, and student life.

Start the school year strong!

Are you a new student? Our Getting Started at DC content collection has everything you need to make your transition smooth and successful.

New Campus High-Performance Complex coming to the Oshawa campus

Durham College (DC) and Ontario Tech University (OTU) are creating a new destination for students to play, train, study, and connect. The nearly 60,000-square-foot expansion will create more space for athletics, recreation, and student life.

Anticipated to open in August 2028, the Campus High-Performance Complex (CHPC) is a three-storey project that will add nearly 60,000 square feet of new space and renovate approximately 9,000 square feet within the Campus Ice Centre. It will include basketball and volleyball courts; integrated strength, conditioning and fitness areas; study and lounge spaces; and expanded food services, in addition to the existing two ice pads.

The flexible facility will serve the DC Lords and OTU Ridgebacks varsity teams while creating more capacity for intramurals, fitness programming, tournaments, camps, campus events and everyday student and community use.

“The Campus High-Performance Complex builds on the strong partnership between Durham College and Ontario Tech,” said Scott Dennis, Director, Athletics and Recreation at DC. “This new facility will provide optimal spaces for connection, performance, and wellness, giving students and student-athletes an environment where they can thrive. It also reflects our shared commitment to creating a connected campus and strengthening our relationship with the broader community.”

“This expansion will give our student-athletes the environment they need to pursue excellence while creating more opportunities for every student to be active, build community and feel connected to campus,” said Audra Sherman, Director, Athletics and Recreation at OTU. “It reflects the high-performance, student-centred future we are building for the Ridgebacks.”

The project is in response to growing participation and capacity pressures across existing athletics and recreation facilities. Its modern, accessible spaces will support physical well-being and a sense of belonging while giving students more places to connect and recharge between classes.

Beyond daily student use, the new facility will create additional opportunities for community programming, rentals, tournaments, camps and events. It will help strengthen the shared campus as a destination for sport, recreation and community activity across Durham Region.

The Campus Ice Centre will remain open during construction.

Bistro ’67 wins two Whitby Reader’s Choice awards

Bistro ’67 has been recognized as one of Whitby’s most popular dining establishments.

This summer, Durham College’s (DC) teaching-inspired restaurant won two Reader’s Choice Awards for Whitby; nabbing a Diamond in the ‘Best Bang for Your Buck’ category, and a Platinum in ‘Best Vegetarian Restaurant.’

The success of Bistro ’67 is a true team effort and a direct reflection of DC’s commitment to experiential learning and innovation, according to Lori Saint, General Manager of the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food.

Horticulture Food and Farming and Horticulture Technician students grow and harvest ingredients on campus. In the kitchen, Culinary Skills and Culinary Management students turn those ingredients into meals. Hospitality Skills and Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management students complete the experience by welcoming and serving guests.

“Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and it’s rewarding to know that our guests value both the dining experience and the opportunity to support student learning,” she said. “The restaurant is a collaborative learning environment where education and industry come together.”

When considering the Platinum award, she points to the students and staff who work the fields at the Whitby campus as well as the Barrett Centre for Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture’s Ajax farm for making Bistro ’67 a terrific choice for vegetarian diners.

“It speaks to one of the things that makes Bistro ’67 unique,” she said. “We love collaborating with the Barrett Centre team and are continually inspired by the incredible produce they grow. Having access to such fresh, seasonal ingredients allows our chefs and students to be creative, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our guests embrace those dishes.”

By investing in sustainable food systems, hands-on training, and local partnerships, DC has created a truly unique dining experience that the community has embraced.

“Bistro ’67 allows students to develop valuable real-world skills while providing guests with fresh, seasonal cuisine,” said Saint. “This award is a recognition of that shared commitment to excellence across the college.”

International partnership with Durham College and the University of the Highlands and Islands advances renewable energy education and workforce development

Canada’s growing investment in renewable energy infrastructure is increasing demand for skilled professionals with the expertise to plan and deliver complex energy projects. To meet this need, Durham College (DC), in partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) in Scotland, is launching an online training module that provides learners the skills needed to manage renewable energy projects from planning through implementation.

Registration is now open for the Renewable Energy Project Management module, which is designed for both those entering the energy sector as well as working professionals. Delivered entirely online with flexible start dates, participants can begin at any time and progress at their own pace. Covering the full project lifecycle, participants will build practical skills in stakeholder engagement, budgeting, risk management, and project planning using industry-standard tools in less than 12 weeks. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a dual-branded Acknowledgement of Completion from both DC and UHI.

“Canada’s clean energy transition depends on more than new technology. It requires a workforce with the skills to turn ambitious projects into reality,” said Robin Young, Executive Director, Business and Workforce Development, Corporate Training Services at DC. “DC is uniquely positioned to bridge skill gaps with our specialized training facilities, industry-aligned curriculum, and deep ties to Canada’s energy sector needed to meet the growing demand for skilled talent.”

The module will be created by specialist colleagues at UHI Moray on behalf of UHI, reflecting the university partnership strengths, drawing on UHI Moray’s expertise in energy education. This collaborative approach ensures a globally informed curriculum that reflects current industry practices and the evolving needs of the energy sector across Canada and the United Kingdom.

“This exciting module draws on the strength of international collaboration in addressing the skills needed for the transition to a low-carbon economy,” shared Professor Su Bryan, Dean of Science, Health and Environment at UHI. “Our partnership with Durham College combines complementary expertise and industry insights to create flexible learning to support energy transition.  This programme will be delivered by our specialist colleagues at UHI Moray. It reflects the collective expertise and shared ambition of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership to provide accessible, high-quality education with global relevance.”

The module marks the first initiative to emerge from DC’s partnership with UHI, bringing together international academic expertise with input from leading energy sector organizations, including Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Statkraft, and SSE Renewables Ltd.

“Demand for clean, reliable renewable power continues to grow, and so does the need for skilled professionals who can help deliver complex energy projects,” said Mike Woodcock, Vice President, Operations, Ontario Power Generation. “OPG’s renewable assets have supported Ontario’s energy needs for generations, and continued investment in upgrades, redevelopment and optimization is essential to meeting future demand. Modules like this play an important role in building the workforce needed to lead renewable energy projects and support the province’s energy future.”

Registration is now open, and learners can start as early as September 14, 2026. As a self-paced module with continuous intakes, participants can register at any time and choose their preferred start date.

More information is available on the Renewable Energy Management Module webpage and on the Skills for Jobs Canada website.

Starting a new chapter: DC’s 2025-26 Annual Report

Durham College’s (DC) Annual Report for 2025-2026 is now available online.

This comprehensive look back at the first year of our Strategic Vision highlights the meaningful progress we’ve made toward our shared purpose of transforming lives, building careers, and enriching communities. It showcases the collective efforts of employees across the college and the positive impact of our efforts on our students, communities, and each other.

In its pages, you’ll learn how we’re strengthening the quality and relevance of our programs, enhancing the student and employee experience, and responding to the changing needs of industry and community.

Highlights from the report include:

  • The largest graduating class in DC history, with 4,858 graduates celebrated at Convocation 2025.
  • The launch of seven new, forward-thinking programs.
  • Our new national designation as a Bee City campus.
  • An expanded commitment to Parasport through initiatives like sitting volleyball and more adaptive sport programming.
  • Receiving the Gold Program Excellence Award for Applied Research and Innovation from Colleges and Institutes Canada.

“As the first year of our Strategic Vision comes to a close, I am proud of the progress we have made and the direction we are setting for the years ahead,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President. “This annual report reflects a year of meaningful momentum and demonstrates that we are united by our shared commitment to the students and communities we serve, and by our belief that at Durham College, success truly matters.”

Centre for Success students celebrate at annual Completion Ceremony

Every student’s path to success looks different. For more than 230 students at Durham College (DC), that path included finding support, building confidence, and discovering new possibilities through the Centre for Success program.

Last month, the students were recognized at a special completion ceremony at the Tribute Communities Centre, and were joined by family, friends, educators, and community partners to celebrate their achievements.

The Centre for Success program offers students an alternative pathway to success through smaller class sizes, individualized support, and learning within a college environment. They can also earn high school and post-secondary credits while exploring future education and career options.

“This program gave many of us something that we needed: a second chance, a fresh start, and people who believed in us before we could believe in ourselves,” said one student, Emily Krolicki. “The teachers and staff here did more than help us graduate; they reminded us that our mistakes do not decide our future. No matter how far behind you may feel, it is never too late to change your path.”

The program is a longstanding partnership between DC and local school boards, including the Durham District School Board, Durham Catholic District School Board, and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board.

“The Centre for Success is built on the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Our students come to us with unique experiences and challenges, and it is incredibly rewarding to see them discover their strengths, build confidence, and realize their potential,” said Meagan Quesnelle, Director, Dual Credits and Academic Upgrading at DC.

That sentiment was echoed by Victoria Kee, Manager, Dual Credits and Academic Upgrading, who proudly watched this year’s students receive their well-earned recognition.

“Success is not always a straight path,” she said. “With the right support, encouragement, and opportunities, students can achieve remarkable things.”