By AARON JANKOWSKI

Staff Writer

It has been said that Canada has two seasons, winter and construction. This summer Niagara College is following suit.

The Jack Forrer Vineyard during construction at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. Photo by Aaron Jankowski

The college has begun a $50 million-redevelopment plan that will see improvements and additions to the Welland campus and the construction of a Wine Education and Training Centre at the Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) campus. 

These developments are all part of Niagara College’s master plan, which is designed to increase the capacity of programs that serve key industries in Niagara.

“Niagara College is a catalyst in the transitioning of Niagara’s economy. Our campus plans and investments are designed to help our region meet the challenges that come with a changing economy and an urgent need for highly skilled workers,” says Dan Patterson, president of Niagara College, in a press release.

The development plan sets out to improve some of the college’s aging facilities. 

Of the $50 million, the province has invested $16.9 million, one-third of the cost, towards the college’s redevelopment. 

Despite the financial hardships a lot of establishments are facing, the college plans on providing one-third of the cost itself. 

“Niagara College is an economic success story in Niagara, and our campus master plan project is  an exciting investment in Niagara’s future,” said Patterson in the press release. 

He says he looks forward to support from all areas of the community to provide the remaining one-third of the costs. 

 The NOTL campus is already home to Canada’s first Winery and Viticulture Technician program that allows students to get hands-on experience in a working environment.

The program has produced award winning wines, the latest being the 2007 Dean’s List Pinot Noir, which won first place at the Cuvee Awards this year and won bronze at  the Finger Lake International Wine competition. 

Niagara College has the only Wine Business program  in Canada. The building of a Wine Education and Training Centre will accent the current program by adding a state-of-the-art wine production lab, viticulture and oenology labs, wine classrooms, barrel aging and an education centre for students and visitors. 

“We are very proud of this,” says Steve Gill, the manager of Niagara College’s winery and vineyard, in an interview on wineaccess.ca.  

These redevelopment plans come partly in response to the college’s increase in growth. 

Enrolment for the Fall 2008 term had an increase of 10.1 per cent, the largest increase among all Ontario colleges. 

The additions and renovations will create space for more than 1,000 students, as well as room for training, academic upgrading, and apprentice programs. 

The Wine and Viticulture program itself will increase from 7,500 square feet to 8,525 square feet. 

The final phase of construction is scheduled to be finished in February 2011, but the Wine Education and Training Centre will be finished by the Fall term. 

You can find out more about the ongoing construction at http://buildingfuturescampaign.ca/.