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Major reno on Douglas starts

For more than 30 years, Douglas College has remained more or less unchanged, but last week construction began on the largest renovation and expansion project since the opening of the New Westminster campus. The $9.
Douglas expansion
Douglas expansion: Construction is underway at Douglas College for its estimated $9.3-million renovation and expansion project – the largest project undertaken at the New West campus since it opened more than 30 years ago.

For more than 30 years, Douglas College has remained more or less unchanged, but last week construction began on the largest renovation and expansion project since the opening of the New Westminster campus.

The $9.3 million project means more classrooms and labs on the south side of the local campus and a specialized area for the school’s new engineering diploma program. In total, 22 classrooms will undergo upgrades and five new classrooms and three labs will be built, noted a press release from the college.

“Douglas College continues to grow, and this renovation will enable us to keep pace with the demand for our programs,” said Kathy Denton, president of Douglas College, in the release.

Douglas College is contributing an estimated $8.3 million to the renovation and expansion, while the remainder will be provided by the provincial government.

“Douglas College is a respected and valued public post-secondary institution that provides high-quality education to thousands of students,” said Andrew Wilkinson, minister for advanced education, in the release. “The expansion at the New Westminster campus will support programming that is aligned with in-demand occupations in a range of diverse sectors vital to a strong economy.”

The project is part of the college’s five-year strategic plan and is expected to be complete by mid-August.