Troy Shantz
Confetti fell and applause echoed as Lambton brass and donors celebrated the opening of the $30 million Nova Chemicals Health and Research Centre last week.
The 60,000 square-foot wing is a multi-floor addition designed to accommodate health sciences programming, interdisciplinary learning and applied research, the college said.
It features two intensive care unit rooms, two simulated care suites, three active learning classrooms, a 140-seat amphitheatre and a 40-bed nursing lab.
A health sciences facility has been in the works for over a decade, said Lambton president Judy Morris at the May 15 opening. The goal was to create an “interdisciplinary and collaborative” learning environment for students.
“This facility is a point of pride for Lambton College,” said Morris. “The support of all of our partners is a significant investment in the future of education and healthcare in this great community.”
Much of the project funding came from the Federal and Provincial governments, the college said, as well as $5 million from Lambton County.
Nova Chemicals contributed $2 million, the single largest education investment they’ve ever made, according to Nova’s director of Ontario operations.
“Nova Chemicals is excited to invest in Lambton College,” said Tom Thompson. “What a great opportunity… as we’re expanding our footprint and investing in the region.”
Additional contributions from industry and community partners helped bring the project to completion, and are displayed on a newly unveiled donor will inside the building.
The Health and Research centre is the latest of three significant Lambton College expansions. In September, Lambton unveiled the Centre of Excellence in Energy & BioIndustrial Technologies, a $14.2-million facility for academics, industrial training and research at the Sarnia campus.
In October, Lambton opened its new $18.2-million Athletics and Fitness Complex. The 40,000-square-foot sports complex includes a double-gymnasium with seating for 1,241 spectators.
