The Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) will receive $5.8 million to support the next phase of a renewal project on its Bathurst campus.
"By modernizing CCNB's Bathurst campus, we're investing in New Brunswick's future - giving students state-of-the-art spaces to learn, explore and innovate," said Premier Susan Holt. "Every upgrade we make is an investment in the people and businesses that make our province thrive."
The funding, which comes from the capital budget announced in December, will allow design work to continue and cover other costs related to construction preparation. Some site preparation work is expected to begin this year.
"CCNB plays a vital role in New Brunswick's progress, and this project will have a big impact on Bathurst, our province and the post-secondary education sector," said Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D'Amours. "Upgrading infrastructure is essential to keep driving innovation and preparing a skilled, adaptable workforce."
The college plans to close its building on Youghall Drive and replace it with a new one on du Collège Street while modernizing the existing facilities. The project will centralize operations and eliminate duplication of services while preserving a heritage building.
The $5.8 million announced is in addition to $10.85 million committed for the first and second phases of the project.
Several steps have been completed since the project's announcement in 2023, including:
- Development of a master plan for the du Collège Street campus, which included consultations with local and regional stakeholders and interest groups, such as the municipality and businesses.
- Commissioning an architect and engineers through a request for proposals.
- Consultation with CCNB's academic groups and board of directors to ensure their requirements are included in the design.
- Site investigations to support the design.
- Advancement of the design through schematic design and design development phases, including cost estimates.
The project includes a new 22,000 square-metre building to house programs currently operating at the Youghall Drive location. The new facilities will also feature a cafeteria and learning commons, as well as space for a third-party francophone daycare that now operates on campus. Most programs offered at Youghall Drive are in the skilled trades.
"The funding for this modernization project will enable us to meet the needs of the labour market and foster technological innovation in New Brunswick," said Pierre Zundel, CEO of CCNB. "Modernizing our facilities will allow us to become a technological showcase for New Brunswick and train the next generation of students to ensure their success in a constantly evolving world."
The site on du Collège Street opened in 1916 while the Youghall Drive site was inaugurated in 1963.
CCNB has five campuses and offers nearly 80 programs grouped in seven schools that aim to help meet the needs of the province's labour market.
