Sparks fly as college opens new trades, tech facility
This ribbon cutting had literal sparks. Wednesday afternoon at Lethbridge College, an acetylene torch burned through a specially-fashioned metal ribbon as part of the official grand opening for the new $77-million Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility.
It is the largest construction project in LC history, measuring 168,812 square feet and providing state-of-the-art training opportunities for students.
Phase One opened in September 2015, while Phase Two broke ground in October 2015. The second part houses the Wind Turbine Technician, Electrician Apprenticeship Training, Welder Apprenticeship Training, Engineering Design and Drafting, and Interior Design Technology programs.
Financing for the Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility came from the Province of Alberta, internal college funding and contributions from the Possibilities are Endless campaign, which raised $27.8 million for college projects. “The community support is incredible here,” said Lethbridge College president Paula Burns.
“This is a pretty incredible day to open a facility like this that had so many people involved from constructing it, the donors who’ve participated, the community — it’s just a fantastic day for us. Everything is state-of-the-art. The practical learning experience that the students will get is second to none in the province. I talked to a faculty member this morning who said ‘I just love this building. I love the way it’s being used.’ It’s just a great place.”
Michael Leckman, principal designer of the project for Diamond Schmitt Architects, in association with Sahuri + Partners, said they were trying to “bring to the next level” all of LC’s facilities. They also wanted to take advantage of the sunlight’s position to emphasize the windows, bricks and coulees.
“The building is meant to be a teaching tool,” Leckman said.
“We wanted to demonstrate concrete technology, steel technology, timber technology, in a way that students could be inspired by. It’s a building for the students and faculty. It’s about energy efficiency. It’s also about light and about materiality.”
Stuart Olson oversaw construction, while many Lethbridge College alumni working at dozens of local contractors and trades were also involved with the project since its groundbreaking in April 2014.
The building’s design features elements of wood, concrete and glass. It has 22 large wooden support pillars, as well as a main spine corridor that will run northsouth and connect the older part of LC with the new area.
“This new Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility is the largest trades-training facility south of Calgary and will further enhance Lethbridge’s reputation as a destination for excellent vocational training as well as a great place for graduates to launch their careers,” said Mayor Chris Spearman.
“These kinds of capital investments in our colleges and universities create employment, stimulate the local economy and empower students to succeed,” said Maria Fitzpatrick, Lethbridge East MLA.
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