The new academic wing at Sault College was officially opened on August 26.
The new, 75,000-square-foot academic wing will host activities related to the school's aviation program. It additionally incorporates a new gateway entrance, a 120-seat multi-media lecture theatre, 19 flexible classrooms designed in sizes from 40 to 80 seats to accommodate most programs currently in place at the college, and a dedicated justice studies room with a combat training centre and forensic science lab.
“This is an important day in the history of Sault College and our community,” college president Dr. Ron Common said in a news release. “The funds that have been generously contributed constitute the largest investments in Sault College since we opened our doors for the first time.”
Funding for the project was provided by the government of Ontario, Canada’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, and the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
“Not only does the new building provide great curb appeal, it’s truly distinguishable as a Northern Ontario College,” Common said.
Sustainable design elements have been included in the planning of the complex which incorporate a local flavour, including indigenous plants, wood roofing, steel cladding and copper, the latter having historical significance to First Nations people which accounts for 20 per cent of Sault College students.
Common noted that this marks the completion of the first phase of the college's construction projects, but that more development will come in future years.
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