Renovations Begin At NSCC, Pictou Campus

Renovations that will provide future students with a new two- storey front wing, new trades shops and many updated campus facilities began today, Nov. 7, at the Pictou Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).

More than $11 million in renovations at the Pictou Campus are part of construction and renovation projects at all 13 NSCC campuses. The renovations are part of government's $123-million investment in NSCC, announced earlier this year and designed to offer more education and learning programs to more students closer to home.

"Today, we are breaking ground on a new era for community college students -- here at the Pictou Campus and across the province," said Premier John Hamm. "We are investing in better facilities, and better training, and a better quality of education. Most importantly, we are investing in more seats so that more Nova Scotians can find the education and experience they need here at home."

The investment is part of the government's skills initiative, Skills Nova Scotia. It involves working with partners to upgrade people's skills from basic literacy to the use of the most advanced technologies so they can further their success in education and in the workplace. The investment will support a multi-year plan to strengthen NSCC, enabling the college to modernize facilities, increase student capacity and enhance skill-driven learning programs.

"Our mission -- Building Nova Scotia's Economy and Quality of Life Through Education and Innovation -- reflects our commitment to helping Nova Scotians acquire the sophisticated knowledge and skills they need for success in the modern labour market," said Ray Ivany, president, NSCC. "This exciting new phase in NSCC's development will provide greater access to applied learning opportunities throughout the province."

Over the next seven years, 2,500 additional students -- an increase of 30 per cent -- will enter the college at its rural and metro campuses.

There are two significant new construction initiatives involved in the work at the Pictou Campus. Phase one, which began today, will see a new two-storey curved front wing that will transform the campus and provide new curb appeal. The addition will feature a glass-enclosed open-concept atrium, a learning commons, new classrooms, a spacious library, a new Centre for Student Success and a Power Centre for trades and technology programs. Renovations will also begin this month to provide a new health services laboratory for the licensed practical nurse (LPN) program, which will open by January 2004.

Phase two work, which will begin April 2004, will feature an expanded cafeteria and campus bookstore, a new day-care facility and a day-care playground, expansion of the trades shops, renovations to space used by business programs, expansion of IT programs and the addition of hospitality and culinary components.

"The renewed Pictou Campus will provide a student-centred environment that supports success and encourages lifelong learning," said Mike Hill, principal of the Pictou Campus. "This development is essential, not only for the learners who will bring to the labour market the skills that Nova Scotia requires, but also to bring a new view of learning to the people of Nova Scotia, one that includes a national calibre community college."

Work on the NSCC Pictou Campus is scheduled for completion in 2006 and will create an additional 364 seats for students in the future.