NSCC Truro Campus Expansion Announced

The Truro campus of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is getting a facelift. Forrester Hall will benefit most from the $4.2 million in improvements planned over the next four years.

Announced today, April 7, by MLA Bill Langille, representing Education Minister Angus MacIsaac, and NSCC president Ray Ivany, the funding is part of the province's $123-million investment in NSCC's expansion plan.

"Today's announcement is a significant investment in the future of our students and the future of our economy," said Mr. MacIsaac. "It means more students will have access to more training and educational opportunities closer to home."

"NSCC is committed to providing Nova Scotians with the applied skills and technical education they need to avail themselves of the full spectrum of employment opportunities Nova Scotia's economy now offers," said Mr. Ivany. "This investment is the catalyst which will enable the college's continued development, and its expansion across the province."

As part of the $4.2 million investment, Forrester Hall will be upgraded to include a new student common area for collaborative learning, a new reception area, and a new entrance with an elevator and staircase. The improved facilities will help create seats for 121 additional students at the Truro campus.

"This is a wonderful announcement for the staff and students of Truro campus and the people of Colchester County," said Kevin Quinlan, principal of the Truro campus. "We will be working on renovating our space to provide more access to student services as well as increasing capacity to support our growing enrolment. This investment means that we can provide our students with an enhanced college experience, and that is important to us."

Through links with industry, NSCC has modified over 50 per cent of its more than 100 programs in the last five years, to help address the skills shortage in the province. Through expansion, NSCC will continue to build on its successful relationship with industry to improve the effectiveness of programming, and match programs to meet the needs of regional businesses.

Students on campus see this investment as an added value to their current college experiences. "Returning to school after 16 years in the workforce can be daunting -- but the acceptance and the supports provided by NSCC made the transition successful," said Lisa Adams, a student at the NSCC Truro campus. "In addition to my recreation leadership diploma, my plan is to continue my education in ecotourism ... the fact that my courses have been designed with input from the industry, I have the knowledge and skills employers are looking for."

Over the next seven years, 2,500 additional students -- an increase of 25 per cent -- will enter NSCC at its campuses across the province. Additional information about upgrading and renovations at other campuses is expected in the next few weeks.

This investment is part of the province's Skills Nova Scotia initiative. The initiative involves training and skills upgrading, from basic literacy to the use of the most sophisticated technologies.