$750,000 donation supports electric vehicle education and innovation

Durham College’s (DC) new, state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) lab has been named the Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre, in recognition of the generous support of philanthropists Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke.

The family’s most recent donation of $750,000 – bringing their total giving to DC to $1 million – demonstrates their commitment to supporting higher education and innovation. The new name was unveiled at a ceremony at DC’s Whitby campus on February 8.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Vanhaverbeke family and The Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke Foundation for their unwavering support,” said DC president Don Lovisa. “Community support is essential to our success and this gift is a testament to the Vanhaverbeke family’s trust in Durham College and our commitment to hands-on learning and innovative skilled trades programs. This gift will help us create opportunities to lead the way in advancing EV and sustainable technology in the auto sector.”

The Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre is part of a 9,060-square-foot expansion and revitalization of the main building at DC’s Whitby campus. The centre educates motive power technicians on EVs with programs centred on hands-on, experiential learning.

“Our family is grateful to be a part of such an important program at Durham College,” said Edmond Vanhaverbeke. “The growing EV market will play a vital role toward reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and it is exciting to be a part of that. Plus, we have Durham College alumni in our family and see the value of having a dynamic post-secondary institution within Durham Region educating in the cutting-edge trades that drive our economy locally and beyond.”