Durham College (DC) announced today that it will receive $1 million from The Regional Municipality of Durham in support of its new Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE). Durham Regional Council approved the funding request at its meeting on February 8.

“On behalf of everyone at Durham College, I would like to express our gratitude to the Region for its investment in our new Centre for Collaborative Education,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “Not only is this contribution reflective of the ongoing support we’ve received from the Region over the years, it is also a vote of confidence in our vision for the CFCE – to create a 21st-century approach to learning that will enable the college to create an educational hub of excellence here in the region, while meeting the demands of students, employers and Ontario’s changing economy.” 

Timed to coincide with the college’s 50th anniversary in 2017, the multi-level, 75,000-square-foot facility and legacy project will replace the aging Simcoe building. The CFCE will be home to multiple departments. This includes the School-College-Work Initiative and the affiliated Centre for Success program, the Centre for Indigenous Peoples, and the Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions. It will also offer spaces for innovation and collaboration, and open learning and social spaces for students, faculty and the community. ‎

“This funding is an important investment in our future – it supports the people and businesses that will drive our economy forward,” said Roger Anderson, regional chair and chief executive officer of The Regional Municipality of Durham. “Durham College is a cornerstone of our community, offering educational programs that provide the necessary tools for success.”

Scheduled to open in 2018, the CFCE will act as an educational access point that brings together students, local, global and Indigenous community groups and members of key business sectors.

All levels of government have now invested in the CFCE. After securing $35 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments in 2016, DC launched a capital campaign to raise the additional $5 million required to complete construction of the new building. The Region of Durham’s $1 million investment follows the recently announced $1 million investment from the City of Oshawa. DC continues to fundraise to reach its $40 million goal.