OSHAWA
City's $1 million contribution recognized at Durham College's official opening of the new Centre for Collaborative Education

Members of City Council were on hand to celebrate the grand opening of Durham College's (DC) Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE) on Tuesday, October 2, which included recognition of the City's $1 million contribution to the CFCE.

The City's approved investment included $100,000 for 10 years for the construction of the CFCE for a total investment of $1 million from the City.

The City's support and investment in the CFCE are reflected on a donor wall, and in the naming of the building's outdoor courtyard as the "City of Oshawa Courtyard".

"For over 50 years Durham College has greatly contributed to the success of Oshawa, the Regional economy and beyond," said Oshawa Mayor John Henry. "The City's investment recognizes DC's ongoing commitment to excellence and the many benefits the CFCE provides to both students and the community, including more collaborative learning and social spaces."

"Officially opening the CFCE is the realization of the college's dream to create a dynamic and innovative learning environment, not only for our students but the broader community," said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. "We are extremely grateful to the City of Oshawa for their support in making our vision a reality."

Located on Simcoe Street North, the multi-level 75,000-square-foot-facility is a legacy project tied to DC's 50th anniversary in 2017. The CFCE replaced the college's aging Simcoe building that had originally opened in 1969.

The CFCE was awarded a City of Oshawa 2018 Urban Design Award for its unique, bold and thought-provoking architecture. The building incorporates a combination of glass, wood, stone and copper to create a dynamic expression that references the existing campus and complements the connected Student Services building. Extremely modern in design, the building is very appealing to the students arriving at DC and brings an exciting built form to the northern entrance of Oshawa. To commemorate the existing Simcoe Building, the entrance feature incorporates stone taken from the original building.