Canada's newest university and Durham College help ease double cohort crunch

Oshawa, Ont. - Completion of the new South Wing as well as construction of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology campus are solid steps toward providing the additional postsecondary spaces needed for students in the double cohort.

At a special ceremony in Oshawa today, more than 200 dignitaries, business and community leaders, area residents, students and staff celebrated the official opening of the 96,000-square-foot South Wing. Designed by the team of Adamson Associates of Mississauga and Mills & Associates of Oshawa, the two-storey, state-of-the-art building houses a large learning commons, networked classrooms, new health labs, administrative offices and other facilities. This and two other recently completed buildings at the Oshawa campus have created almost 3,000 more student spaces. Currently used by Durham College students, the South Wing will also be available to students at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, which opens at the college's Oshawa campus in September 2003.

Guests also viewed progress on the construction of the first building for the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Canada's newest university. Dianne Cunningham, minister for training, colleges and universities for Ontario, and Gary Polonsky, president and CEO of Durham College and founding president and vice-chancellor of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, poured concrete for a structural column. They also lowered a time capsule containing university mementos and special items into the building site.

The internationally acclaimed firm of Diamond and Schmitt Architects Incorporated of Toronto has designed the university campus. The first building, which will be five storeys tall and cover 114,000 square feet, will feature lecture halls, classrooms, research labs, seminar rooms, administrative offices and other facilities. The university expects to
admit approximately 1,000 students during its first year, with enrolment projected to reach 6,500 students by 2010.

"The Ontario government is a proud partner in the creation of UOIT and the expansion of Durham College," said Cunningham. "By working with our partners in the private sector and the community, we are accommodating increasing enrolments, and ensuring that Ontario students will be prepared to compete and succeed in today's rapidly changing economy."

"The two events we're celebrating today will become milestones in the history of Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology," remarked Polonsky. "Durham College has served students, employers and graduates admirably for 35 years and it will continue to do so. The new university, which opens next fall, is determined to become a leading centre for higher learning, innovation and research."

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.