A large crowd of dignitaries gathered late Wednesday morning to officially break ground on two new world class facilities at Lambton College.
College President Judith Morris says the new buildings are being constructed as part of the Envision Tomorrow Capital Campaign, launched exactly a year ago.
"It was an ambitious campaign," says Morris. "The biggest ever for Lambton College, $45-million, and had a strong focus on enhancing academic programming, student athletics and applied research. Today, we are well on our way and the excitement is building in our community."
The 60,000 sq ft Nova Chemicals Health & Research Centre will feature health simulation labs, interactive learning studios and research space while the 40,000 sq ft Athletics & Fitness Complex will include a double gymnasium and multi-purpose fitness and studio spaces.
Nova Chemicals $2-million contribution to the campaign is the single largest education investment ever made by the local manufacturer.
Lambton College Foundation Board Chair, former Sarnia mayor Andy Brandt, wielded the shovel marking the start of construction.
"We're still $11,700,000 short. We're going to have to raise that in order to complete this project successfully," says Brandt.
Brandt invited those in the community who have not participated yet, to join with them for the remaining part of the campaign.
The original shovel used for the construction of the main Lambton College campus was used again at Wednesday's official ground breaking.
Construction begins in September and is expected to be completed by fall 2018.
Lambton College President Judith Morris at official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. Foundation Chair Andy Brandt. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Lambton College hosts official ground breaking ceremony for new world class education facilities. June 22, 2016 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
