All classes offered have been transitioned to remote delivery 

Pickering, ON –Durham College (DC) and Centennial College (Centennial) today announced that the Pickering Learning Site (PLS), a shared location between the two institutions, will close effective Tuesday, September 1.

Like many areas of the economy, the post-secondary sector has been impacted by COVID-19. As a result, DC and Centennial have had to rethink their operational models and facilities’ structures, and have made the decision to cease all operations at the shared PLS.

The announcement comes after COVID-19 prompted the successful migration of classes to a remote delivery model. For the foreseeable future, DC programs offered at the PLS will continue to be provided virtually for students to complete their postgraduate certificate programs.

“This is not a decision that was made lightly,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “COVID-19 has required organizations everywhere to reevaluate operations and resource allocations. While the decision to close the Pickering Learning Site will reduce the financial burden the pandemic has created, DC’s commitment to delivering quality programs remains unchanged. It also means the college will have the capacity to provide support for our students as we continue to drive economic and social success in the communities we serve.”

“Unfortunately, difficult decisions are having to be made in these challenging times” said Dr. Craig Stephenson, president, Centennial College. “In the immediate future, we will serve the PLS students through providing a high-quality online learning experience. We are engaged with the Durham Region and look forward to working closely with the community.”

Opened in 2012, the PLS has played a role in supporting students looking to complete postgraduate studies in a smaller learning environment.  Offering a convenient, easily accessible location, the PLS focused on mature, professional learners and innovative curricula delivery.

DC and Centennial College are currently exploring opportunities to sublease the building for the two remaining years of the lease.

-30-

About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, Durham College (DC) offers approximately 13,400 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and nine apprenticeship programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management.

DC enables students to develop the career-ready skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market by connecting them with expert faculty and offering quality programs. With a focus on experiential learning through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads have the skills and knowledge employers need.

The Oshawa campus features DC’s newest building, the Centre for Collaborative Education, which represents the college’s commitment to working with local business and community partners while bringing together local, Indigenous and global communities and members of key business sectors.

DC’s Whitby campus is home to the Skills Training Centre, where students receive hands-on training and instruction in industrial-grade shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices and crane operation, among others. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About Centennial College

Established in 1966, Centennial is Ontario’s first public college serving the Greater Toronto area through five campuses and two satellite locations. Its record is one of exemplary teaching, innovative programming and extensive partnership building.

Centennial College supports more than 25,000 full-time and 19,000 part-time learners annually. It offers more than 300 full-time and part-time programs, both in-person and online, that emphasize practical experience such as laboratory learning, work placement, individual and group projects and paid co-op education.

For more information, visit www.centennialcollege.ca or call 416-289-5000.

Media contacts:
Meghan Ney
Communications and Marketing, Durham College
416-648-5453 (cell)
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

Mark Toljagic
Senior Communications Officer, Centennial College
416-605-6012 (cell)
mtoljagic@centennialcollege.ca