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Durham College’s Bistro ’67 is awarded the Safe Travels Stamp

As we approach World Tourism Day on Sunday, September 27, Durham College’s (DC) teaching-inspired restaurant Bistro ’67 is pleased to announce it has been awarded the Safe Travels Stamp.

Administered by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in conjunction with industry partners including the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), the Safe Travels Stamp is an international symbol that allows travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardized protocols.

Focusing on four pillars – operational and staff preparedness, ensuring a safe experience, rebuilding trust and confidence, and implementing enabling policies – the protocols were developed based on local regulations, World Health Organization and US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, and input from leading hospitality groups . By implementing the protocols and receiving the Safe Travels Stamp, restaurants around the world are demonstrating they are upholding the highest standards of health and safety.

For those looking to support local businesses during these unprecedented times, Bistro ‘67 is an excellent option. The restaurant offers guests a memorable field-to-fork dining experience within DC’s multiple award-winning W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (Weston Centre).

Meals are prepared using fresh ingredients from the Weston Centre’s own gardens and other local suppliers from across Durham Region, which is very fitting considering the theme for this year’s World Tourism Day is Tourism and Rural Development, in celebration of driving economic development and providing opportunities outside of big cities.

In bringing community, local agriculture and learning together, Bistro ’67 champions rural growth and encourages people to view local food production in a new light. It is also a 3 Star Certified Green Restaurant, holds a Feast ON designation in recognition of its use of local food and beverage options, and was named one of Open Table’s 100 most scenic restaurants in Canada in 2019.

To learn more about Bistro ’67, please visit www.bistro67.ca.

DC professor Edward Logan receives Minister of Colleges and Universities’ Award of Excellence

Durham College (DC) is pleased to share that Edward Logan, a professor in DC’s post-secondary and apprenticeship plumbing programs, has received a Minister of Colleges and Universities’ Award of Excellence for his dedication to the local community, his students and the broader post-secondary sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nominated by Dr. Rebecca Milburn, executive dean of the School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship and Renewable Technology, Edward demonstrated his Ontario spirit when the pandemic forced DC to close its campuses, by organizing two national virtual Community of Practice (CoP) events for plumbers and skilled trades faculty.

Created with the goals of bringing educators together, making the online experience better for students, forging new relationships, and sharing best practices for online delivery, each CoP saw professors from across Canada and the United States come together to share ideas, best practices, and further examine their roles as educators. Given the initial success of the sessions, there are plans to continue in the future.

DC is incredibly proud of Edward and wishes to extend its congratulations on his achievement. His commitment to his trade, his students and post-secondary education are shining examples of the college’s new mission in action – together we’re leading the way.

Developed to honour the work being done by professors and instructors at Ontario’s publicly-assisted, Indigenous and private post-secondary institutions during COVID-19, the Minister of Colleges and Universities’ Awards of Excellence celebrate the incredible work of professors and instructors on campus, in the community and beyond.

Durham College begins the 2020-2021 academic year

While the COVID-19 pandemic means Durham College’s (DC) 2020-2021 academic year looks different than in years past, more than 11,200 full-time and apprenticeship students have embraced the opportunity and are now studying at DC.

This includes more than 6,280 first-year students, more than 1,500 new and returning international students from 72 countries, and 7,000 registrations occurred through Professional and Part-time Learning.

“As an institution, we recognize the unique circumstances facing our students, faculty and campus community as a result of COVID-19,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, vice-president, Academic. “However, after our successful pilot program in July, which saw more than 1,500 students from across 20 programs return to campus following our initial closures to complete outstanding practical requirements for their programs, we felt quite confident and prepared heading into the fall semester. We learned a lot during the pilot and have carried that knowledge into the new academic year to the benefit of students and faculty alike.”

Through a combination of remote and in-person delivery, students are studying in a variety of industry-driven programs including the new Esports Business Management and Autism and Behavioural Sciences graduate certificates, as well as the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management (pathway to degree).

“Since the outset of the pandemic our focus has been on ensuring the continuity of learning for our students. With the arrival of the new academic year, we remain committed to offering the same quality programming DC is known for,” said Popp.

Remote classes allow for rich engagement opportunities between students, their professors and peers thanks to a variety of online platforms and technologies, which are not only maintaining but also enhance learning. Cutting-edge simulations and hands-on opportunities, when possible, are also helping to fulfill the experiential elements of DC’s programs.

“In the spring, DC unveiled its new Strategic Plan, anchored in our new mission statement, together we’re leading the way,” said Don Lovisa, president. “It’s an extremely fitting sentiment given our current circumstances, as the launch of this academic year has truly been a team effort. I want to thank our faculty and staff for supporting our students as they learn the job-ready skills they need to pursue their careers, and the students themselves for their patience, perseverance and commitment to their education. If the start to the fall semester is any indication, they are destined for success.”

DC employees show solidarity during Scholar Strike for those who have experienced anti-Black and systemic racism

On September 9 and 10, academics across North America took part in a two-day Scholar Strike to stand in solidarity with anti-Black racism and police violence protesters in the U.S., Canada and elsewhere.

As part of this collective action event, a group of Durham College (DC) employees contributed their voices to a short video to demonstrate their support for their students, colleagues and all others who have experienced anti-Black and systemic racism.

Produced by Crystal Garvey, a professor in the Nursing – Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, the video features statements of solidarity from faculty members across the college as they share their experiences and advocacy while raising their voices in the call to end racial injustice.

Watch the video below.


DC is proud of its employees and students, and supports the dismantling of systemic barriers faced by the underrepresented Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) community. Earlier this summer, DC President Don Lovisa signed the BlackNorth Initiative’s CEO pledge, joining more than 200 leaders from across Canada who have publicly committed their organizations to taking action to realize specific goals and targets designed to dismantle anti-Black systemic racism and create opportunities for the BIPOC community.

Durham College’s fall Orientation goes virtual

Durham College (DC) is excited to welcome new and returning domestic and international students for the fall semester. The start of this academic year has meant some of the college’s time honoured traditions have been adapted to accommodate online learning and limited access to campus, but our DC students have embraced the change to make us proud.

One tradition that took on a digital twist was Orientation, which was offered virtually for the first time ever. With the goal of helping new students successfully transition to college, this year’s Orientation featured a variety of online academic and social events designed to help students become acquainted with their new program, make connections with faculty and fellow students, and become part of the DC community.

Festivities began with a drive-through style Orientation swag bag pick-up event, with the festivities officially kicking off on September 8 with virtual program sessions. Students gathered via Google Meet to hear from faculty and learn more about what to expect this fall. An online Services Fair offered students the opportunity to learn about the various supports available at DC.

Programs offered included Start Strong, which helps students develop a foundation for success both in and out of the classroom, and PREP 1000, the college’s free preparatory course that helps learners become familiar with DC Connect and shares other valuable information so new students can confidently begin the year. This year more than 1,500 students attended Start Strong and 3,500 accessed PREP 1000.

However, it wouldn’t be Orientation without some social time. Activities included a virtual extra-curricular fair, eSports reigned supreme during the 12th Annual Campus Cup Soccer Match, which saw the Durham Lords go toe-to-toe against Ontario Tech’s Ridgebacks soccer team in FIFA live (congrats to the Ridgebacks on their win), and DCSI Fest 2020. Hosted by Durham College Students Inc., the independent student association representing all DC students, this online celebration included concerts, virtual field trips and guest speakers.

DC’s International Student Orientation welcomed students with online mini-modules on immigration, housing, arrivals, and more, to help students settle into Canada and successfully start their journeys at DC.

With great participation in the various sessions and activities, Orientation 2020 was an excellent start to the fall semester.

Carpenters Union Local 397 Contributes $100,000 to DC Skilled Trades Expansion

Durham College (DC) is pleased to announce the fundraising campaign for the Whitby Campus skilled trades and professions expansion has received a significant donation of $100,000 from the Carpenters Union Local 397.

The generous donation will go toward the Building for Skills campaign, which has raised $4.4 million to date, supporting a 60,000 square foot addition to DC’s Whitby campus.  When completed, the expansion will allow 750 more students to study skilled trades and professions each year.

“The Carpenters Union is supporting this expansion because we understand the need to train more young people in the trades,” noted Joel Neville, Local Union Coordinator. “The new facility will provide more room and resources not only to our carpenter apprentices but for the apprentices of many other trades accessing this great new facility.”

In recognition of the Carpenters Union Local 397’s gift, a multi-purpose classroom will carry the name of the union that represents women and men in Durham Region and Northumberland County who work in a variety of construction related skilled trades, including carpentry, drywall and resilient flooring.

Construction continues at DC’s Whitby campus with plans to open in fall 2021.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of organized labour. This generous donation from the Carpenters Union Local 397 demonstrates a dedication to the training of future skilled trades professionals and support for DC’s state-of-the-art facility that will have a positive impact on the workforce of Ontario. This gift will help Durham College continue to develop skilled workers who contribute to a strong economy and vibrant communities,” said DC President Don Lovisa.

DC and Precise ParkLink share results of partnership and case study

Durham College (DC) and Precise ParkLink are thrilled to share the results of their long-term collaborative partnership through their online Artificial Intelligence Kiosk Case Study.

With a working relationship that began in 2015 when the college selected Precise ParkLink as its parking management services provider, this partnership has evolved beyond parking, as Precise ParkLink helps facilitate student learning as an industry partner for DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE).

DC’s applied research program, facilitated by ORSIE, solves industry and social challenges through innovation and collaboration. By engaging industry, faculty, students, and the community-at-large in research projects that address the needs of a technology-driven knowledge economy, ORSIE brings together multiple stakeholders and groups interested in mutually-beneficial solutions, leveraging the talent, facilities, and capabilities of the college and broader community to advance economic prosperity within Durham Region.

“One of the reasons organizations enjoy working with Precise ParkLink is because we offer the latest technology innovations available in the marketplace,” says Maria Lato, marketing manager for Precise ParkLink. “Being an ORSIE industry partner allows Precise ParkLink to tackle its large-scale research and development wish list faster.”

“Durham College and Precise ParkLink have engaged in five different applied research projects,” says Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean of ORSIE. “Each one of them involves DC students working closely with Precise ParkLink staff to address real-world challenges and create a solution that will then be introduced into the market.”

Working on Precise ParkLink projects, ORSIE students have the opportunity to gain valuable skills, such as “a chance to enhance their learning by working with industry professionals in the field,” says Lato.

“In addition, students gain hands-on experience while enhancing their communication, team-work, accountability and problem-solving abilities. These job-ready skills prepare students for future employment, making them valuable employees,” Lato adds. “The relationship is a win-win for Precise ParkLink, DC and its students.”

Discover how ORSIE and Precise ParkLink made AI in parking a reality and learn more about the partnerships in the Research at DC: Precise ParkLink video.

DC launches new learning series for employees on equity, diversity and inclusion

Durham College (DC) is launching a new learning series for employees as part of ongoing work towards ensuring an equitable post-secondary experience for all students.

Developed jointly by DC’s Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions and its Centre for Academic and Faculty Enrichment, the series is titled Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Pedagogy and Practice and comprises five modules:

  • Power, Privilege and Bias
  • Navigating Difficult Conversations
  • Inclusive and Responsive Teaching
  • Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
  • Conversations in Decolonization

DC recognizes the rich diversity of all students and appreciates the need to ensure this diversity is welcomed and reflected in all teaching and learning practices. The modules reinforce DC’s values of diversity, inclusion, and respect, and were created to introduce college employees to the concepts of inclusion and cultural intelligence so that all students can be equitably supported.

DC celebrates the start of the academic year

With the 2020-2021 school year fast approaching, over 550 Durham College (DC) employees gathered virtually on September 1 for Academic Kickoff. Designed to engage and inspire, this annual event sets the tone for the academic year ahead.

Thanks to its online webinar format, DC faculty, as well as administrative and support staff, enjoyed a diverse program including college updates and a discussion about the impact of COVID-19 from a ministry and provincial perspective from President Don Lovisa, a sneak peek from Dr. Elaine Popp, vice-president, Academic, into DC’s new Academic Plan, and video presentations from various employees about transitioning to remote learning and the creative solutions they have implemented to enhance the overall education experience for students.

The videos can be viewed on DC’s YouTube page via the following links:

Attendees also had the pleasure of hearing from keynote speaker Dr. Britt Andreatta, an internationally recognized thought leader who creates brain-science based solutions for today’s challenges. As CEO and president of 7th Mind Inc., and having been both a professor and dean in post-secondary education, Dr. Andreatta draws on her background in neuroscience, psychology, leadership and learning to unlock the best in organizations and their people.

Through an exploration of the way the brain functions when learning and retaining information, Dr. Andreatta provided insight into how modern educators can help enhance the academic experience for students. Stating “we are all biologically hardwired to learn,” she provided a number of strategies and suggestions for those teaching in the coming academic year.

DC’s fall 2020 classes will begin on Tuesday, September 8 and will be delivered via a blended-learning approach which includes remote and remote/in-person delivery.

Durham College and Sheridan College receive funding to support Canadian media industry SMEs

Durham College (DC) and Sheridan College (Sheridan), with support of up to $100,000 from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), are pleased to announce that they will undertake university-industry projects by sharing their applied research centre services and by providing expert time to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Canadian media industry. The contribution from NRC IRAP will help support projects with up to 10 high-potential, growth-oriented companies who are aiming to develop media production workflows.

DC’s Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) Studio, in partnership with Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT) at Sheridan College Pinewood Toronto Studios, will lead applied research and development projects with industry clients to help fuel the growth of Canada’s media industry by assisting SMEs in conducting the feasibility to create media content workflows, offering technical expertise and proof of concept for the inclusion of advanced technologies in the creation of media.

The colleges’ joint offering includes an integrated suite of the following technologies, all powered by leading-edge infrastructure technologies such as 5G and SIRTNET:

  • Live performance tools for content creation using the film development kits for integration of all aspects of content creation.
  • Virtual production techniques allowing content creators to plan, imagine, or complete a filmic element with the aid of digital tools to simplify content generation workflows.
  • Integration of digital techniques such as AI, special sound effects and immersive experience using AR/VR techniques across all platforms.
  • High-fidelity virtual human creation and aggregation to maximize productivity for content generation across all platforms.
  • Access to Multi-National Enterprise (MNE) technologies such as leading-edge processor and graphics platforms from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD).

The MRC Studio and SIRT Centre are recognized for their demonstrated track records of success assisting SMEs with the development of proof of concepts in a variety of content generation projects. DC and Sheridan will use the funding to enable SMEs from coast to coast to gain technical skills, adopt new technology, commercialize innovations, create jobs and increase revenues within a globally competitive market.