The first glimpse of the College of New Caledonia’s (CNC’s) proposed new campus and trades shop design was unveiled last night, Dec. 6, at a public engagement session at the new campus building.
A conceptual design of the first and second floor of the new campus, as well as the trades shop, was unveiled, and attendees had a chance to provide feedback and ask questions.
A dedicated trade shop was a highlight of the new campus’ conceptual design. The proposed 357 square metre shop will diversify the trades training opportunities available in the Nechako region.
“We heard some great feedback at the session,” said CNC Nechako Regional Principal Troy Morin. “The community certainly showed its passion for the future of education in Vanderhoof.”
The conceptual design also features two Digital Delivery Instruction (DDI) classrooms. These learning spaces, which use state-of-the-art cameras and microphones to create an interactive digital classroom, are already bringing a wide range of courses for university transfer that have never been accessed by the community before.
Currently, students in Vanderhoof can enrol in 28 courses using DDI including Bookkeeping, English and Early Childhood Care and Learning for the spring 2018 semester.
“We’re able to offer a lot of programming in Vanderhoof using one DDI classroom,” Morin said. “The opportunities can only grow with the addition of a second.”
The college said feedback gathered from the community during the evening’s breakout sessions will be taken into consideration as the renovation project moves forward.
A design consultant and construction manager should be hired by the end of January 2019, according to the college, with demolition and preparation of the site for construction happening over the winter.
Preliminary construction will begin spring 2019 and final touches will be applied by fall next year, ready for classes to begin in the new campus in January 2020.
“CNC greatly values the communities it serves,” said CNC President Henry Reiser. “Through this project, we wanted to create a campus with modern up-to-date classrooms and support spaces to enhance the teaching and learning environment in Vanderhoof. It is important the community is involved in defining what that is.”
READ MORE: Renovations to CNC campus in Vanderhoof announced