Ontario Construction News staff writer
Hamilton-based Mohawk College is planning to build new learning hubs and campuses in Burlington.
Officials announced the plan in a Letter of Understand with the City of Burlington and Burlington Economic Development.
“Burlington is a vibrant and growing community, with impressive residential, commercial and industrial growth, but is not currently home to a public community college,” said Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong. “For 57 years, Mohawk College has been educating and preparing highly skilled graduates for success. We are excited to extend the college’s world-class post-secondary training into Burlington.”
The recent launch of Mohawk College’s School of Climate Action and growing demand for more people and training in skilled trades and technology are priorities for the college.
Additional classrooms, labs, shops and applied research facilities will be required to meet the demand in these growth areas.
The proposed expansion aligns with the City of Burlington’s Strategic Plan. Burlington City Council has identified the attraction of a post-secondary institution as an objective that will contribute to the overall health of the city. It supports Burlington’s goals of developing complete communities, expanding its youth population, and providing an educational environment to attract startups and grow businesses.
This planned expansion will roll out in phases over several years, with a variety of programs being offered in different locations. Mohawk will work with Burlington Economic Development to explore potential locations and uses. More specific information will be provided in the coming months as plans take shape and the requisite agreements are finalized.
“Mohawk College’s plan to expand their facilities into Burlington is very exciting news,” said Anita Cassidy, Executive Director of Burlington Economic Development. “Mohawk College has supported our local business community for a long time, through access to applied research areas, experiential learning hubs, and of course connecting employers to top talent. We look forward to working with them in the coming months to find the ideal location for their students, faculty and staff to thrive here.”