Northern Lakes College breaks ground on new campus

Students in the High Prairie region will soon have access to a new, central post-secondary facility now that Northern Lakes College has broken ground on its new consolidated campus.

The new campus will serve approximately 225 students in a modern, purpose-built learning environment. Located on the site of the old Central Campus, the new facility will bring together students currently spread across three separate campus locations. “This is an investment in the future of Northern Lakes College, the High Prairie community and our province that has been a long time coming. So many students from across the region come to Northern Lakes College to purse a quality education so that they can get a good job and succeed in our province’s economy, but the requests for a new campus were long ignored by the previous administration. I’m proud that our government has taken action, so more students can stay close to home to study and work, and create a vibrant and dynamic community.” Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education

The government has committed $21.6 million to build the new campus, with construction set to begin in the spring of 2019. The project is expected to create about 300 construction jobs and generate nearly $47 million for the local economy.

“This is a long-awaited day for High Prairie which, after years of being an afterthought to previous governments, will now finally receive a facility purposebuilt for this region. Having taught at Northern Lakes College myself and worked sideby-side with its graduates, I know how vital this institution is for training emergency responders, frontline workers and community leaders.” Danielle Larivee, Minister of Children’s Services and Status of Women, and MLA for Lesser Slave Lake

The new facility will include modern classroom and learning spaces, and provide apprentices with better access to innovative training spaces. Student resources – including access to health and financial aid services – will also be centralized, creating easier access for students, efficiencies for the institution and a more cohesive college community.

“Today, we celebrate a remarkable and momentous event: A new campus in the community of High Prairie. The development of this facility will allow for future program growth to meet regional employment demands and serve community members.” Dan Vandermeulen, board chair, Northern Lakes College

Northern Lakes College, its student population and staff play an important role in the local economy. A recent study showed the school added about $104.7 million to the local economy in 2015-16.

“We are delighted that the Government of Alberta has supported this investment for the High Prairie Campus. This new facility will support generations of learners and enable Northern Lakes College to provide a wider variety of programs and services to the community.”

Ann Everatt, president and CEO, Northern Lakes College

Construction of the new campus is expected to be complete and the facility open for students and faculty in fall 2020.

Photo submitted to The McLeod River Post On Thursday, September 20, the students and staff at Holy Redeemer were treated to a special presentation from Ciera Knight who climbed Mount Everest this past May. Knight is a graduate from HRH and shared her amazing and harrowing story that saw her go to the top of the world. Needless to say, the HRH school community is very proud of her and can’t wait to hear what she conquers next.