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Durham College recognizes Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with second annual Mini Powwow

On Wednesday, September 30, the Durham College (DC) community gathered to recognize Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The second annual Mini Powwow, hosted by DC’s First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC), honoured the Survivors of the residential school system, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home.

“Today, we come together in the spirit of remembrance, reflection, and reconciliation. This is a day to honour Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, while acknowledging the lasting impacts of these institutions. It is also a day to listen, to learn, and to carry these teachings forward in our everyday lives,” said Dr. Kayla Murphy, Director, Indigenous Initiatives.

Sharing their wisdom at the morning event were Elder Dorothy Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation, who opened the proceedings with a prayer, and Susan Byrne, president of the Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle, who shared reflections and teachings.

The Powwow also featured a sacred fire lighting ceremony by Firekeeper and three-time DC alumnus Ronald Leaman, as well as drumming, dancing and teachings by the High Tide Singers and Head Dancer Brooke Wheeler, Peyton Jones and Rachel Taunton, FPIC’s Indigenous Communities Outreach Coordinator, who was instrumental in the creation of this new DC tradition.

The event was held in the Naanaagide’endamowin “The Art of Thinking” Courtyard at the Oshawa campus, as well as inside the FPIC space in the Centre for Collaborative Education. The afternoon’s activities included drop-in crafts, fireside chats and vendors, and a traditional Plant Teachings workshop hosted by Matthew Levac.

Also in support of the day, the Durham College Student Association hosted a button-making event earlier in the week, where students were invited to create a button, reflect on the significance of the day, and show their commitment to truth, reconciliation, and the message that Every Child Matters.

“For post-secondary institutions, including DC, reconciliation carries a particular responsibility. We play an important role in advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by creating spaces where Indigenous knowledge, histories, and perspectives are respected and valued; in addressing systemic barriers; and in supporting meaningful change,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President.

“Our commitment to this work is reflected in our Strategic Vision and demonstrated in our daily actions that bring Indigenous ways of knowing into teaching and learning, amplify Indigenous voices and stories, deepen relationships with Indigenous communities, and create opportunities for employees and students to further their understanding of Indigenous histories and experiences.”

Resources to support the DC community’s continued learning and reflecting on reconciliation are available:

Indigenization at Durham College

We are committed to fostering reconciliation, inclusivity, and lifelong learning for everyone. Explore our Indigenization at Durham College Content

Students grow, cook and host DC’s Harvest Dinner under the stars

As the seasons change and fall arrives, Durham College (DC) celebrates the harvest with a tradition that brings together food, learning, sustainability, and community.

On September 24, guests gathered under the stars at the Whitby campus for DC’s annual Harvest Dinner, an outdoor dining experience prepared and hosted by students and employees from across the college.

The evening showcased DC’s field-to-fork-to-field philosophy in action. Horticulture Technician and Food and Farming students helped grow and harvest ingredients from the fields at the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, while students from Culinary Skills and Hospitality Skills programs worked with guidance from faculty to prepare and serve the meal.

From growing food in the fields to preparing it in the kitchen and welcoming guests at the table, students played a role in every stage of the evening. The event gave them an opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world setting, work alongside faculty and industry professionals, and experience what their future careers could look like.

“The Harvest Dinner brings our fields, kitchens and classrooms together in one memorable night,” said DC President Dr. Elaine Popp. “Our students grow the food, prepare the meal and welcome the guests, building skills that lead to rewarding careers in food, farming and hospitality. It’s a proud reminder of what happens when learning is connected to community and to the land.”

The Harvest Dinner also reflects DC’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The field-to-fork-to-field approach connects growing and preparing food with the return of nutrients to the soil, giving students an opportunity to explore sustainable practices and the importance of caring for the land.

The evening was made possible through the generous contributions of our event sponsors: Feast On, Gervais Party & Tent Rentals, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery, Leaf, The Rustic Board and Selbie’s Select Produce Ltd. Their support helps create opportunities for students to put their learning into practice while connecting DC with industry and local partners.

For the students behind the Harvest Dinner, the night was about more than demonstrating their skills. They worked as a team, took on responsibility and saw their learning bear fruit around the dinner table.

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. 

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.”