Before the snow began to fly and the winter weather really took hold in southern Alberta, the largest construction project in Lethbridge College history had already moved inside. The exterior walls and roof of the second phase of the new trades and technologies facility were completed in early December, allowing interior construction to move into full swing this winter.
“Stuart Olson Construction has been great to work with and they’ve made sure that the project is right on schedule,” says Lethbridge College project manager Francis Rankin. “We’re moving towards the finishing stages of the project and are well on our way to welcoming the first students to the new facility in August.”
The interior of the second phase of the facility is beginning to take shape, with drywall being hung, painting being started and the concrete floors being polished in the classrooms and labs on the building’s main floor. Once completed, the focus will shift to the offices and meeting rooms on the second floor of the facility.
“With the hard work of our staff and trade partners, we are eager to keep moving forward to a successful turnover of the building in 2017,” says Stuart Olson project manager Spencer Calhoun. “With the ongoing installation of the building’s interior elements, the architect’s vision continues to materialize. As the project concludes, it’s going to be an exciting time not only for Stuart Olson and the college, but the larger community as a whole given the college’s significant importance to Lethbridge and surrounding communities.”
Phase one of the new trades and technologies facility opened to students in August 2015, while the groundbreaking for phase two took place in October of that same year. Once completed, the second phase will measure 127,495 square feet and will house the Engineering Design and Drafting, Interior Design Technology, Wind Turbine Technician, Electrician Apprenticeship Training and Welder Apprenticeship Training programs, along with room for the Centre for Applied Research and the trades program’s support shop.
Fundraising for the construction of both phases of the new facility was launched by a visionary $2 million gift from Art and Mary Jane Crooks and then bolstered by other major gifts to the Possibilities are Endless campaign. Donors are among those who have already received an early look at the on-going project.
“I’ve been busy leading tours of the site for all kinds of groups,” says Rankin. “We want to make sure that those who have made this facility possible get to see what their gifts have created. And we want to make sure we keep engaging with our community partners so that they know they’re a part of what we’ve created here.”
Scores of Lethbridge College alumni have been involved in the project’s construction since the project’s groundbreaking in 2014. Once completed, the two phases combined will measure 168,812 square feet and will be the largest trades and technologies training facility south of Calgary. The first classes in the new facility are scheduled for Aug. 21, 2017 and the grand opening will be a major part of the college’s 60th anniversary celebrations.