Durham College’s request to the Region of Durham for $5 million in financial support toward the second and third phases of its Whitby campus expansion was approved by Regional Council on February 17. When complete the expansion will see more than $30 million invested in renewable energy, living lab environments and an expanded campus involving the food and agricultural communities.

Durham College received exciting news yesterday afternoon when its request to the Region of Durham for $5 million in financial support toward the second and third phases of its Whitby campus expansion was approved.

The news came following a Regional Council meeting that saw Council agree – with a very strong majority – to give the college $5 million over seven years with the first $500,000 to be given in 2010.

“I am thrilled with this great news and hope that the entire college family shares my excitement,” said Lovisa. “This funding will lend significant support to our commitment to training the workforce needed to build sustainable communities in this region and beyond.”

The funding will used to support the ongoing expansion and renovation of the Whitby campus, an expansion that when complete, will see more than $30 million invested in renewable energy, living lab environments and an expanded campus involving the food and agricultural community.

Phase 1, already completed, provides new classrooms and labs; a Research Incubation Centre; and a living laboratory approach that includes solar water heating and solar cell systems, geothermal technology, wind turbines and electrical and energy auditing.

Phase 2, currently under construction, will increase the shop area in the Skills Training Centre to accommodate new programs such as Power Engineering Technology, Sustainable Energy, Biomass Energy, Building Trades and Technology as well as programs focused on the skilled trades sector including Precision Machining, Metal Fabricator, Carpenter, Steamfitter, Construction Millwright and Tower Crane Operator.

In addition, Phase 2 will include two houses – one older home with dated technology and wiring and one newly constructed home with the latest energy efficient and environmentally friendly technology available – to give students a sense of the changes that continue to occur in the construction and building trades and how to utilize them effectively.

The third phase of the expansion, a Food Centre, will house culinary arts programs; a food and agricultural growing component; a food processing centre; and agriculture and science laboratories. New programs include Chef, Cook, Food Processing, Food Research and Hospitality and Tourism Management.

“Durham College is committed to a vision that will see new opportunities for students in areas that are critical to the local, provincial and national economies,” added Lovisa. “This funding is a strong vote of confidence in Durham College, the direction we are heading and the significant role we play in Durham Region.”