President and CEO of Loyalist College, Mark Kirkpatrick, delivered a presentation on the latest going on at the college at a breakfast hosted by the Belleville Chamber of Commerce at The Grand on Wednesday.
Kirkpatrick gave numbers on the college’s impact on the community saying that an Economic Impact Study for 2021-2022 showed it was $433.3 million, which represents about 5,579 jobs supported or 3.6% of the region.
An update on the new campus in Port Hope was also given. That new campus is set to open for fall 2024 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening taking place in late summer/early fall.
There was also discussion on the decision made by the federal government on January 22, 2024 on a temporary two-year cap on the number of international students arriving to Canada.
Kirkpatrick says as part of the announcement, the federal government would not be supporting private-public partnerships.
Because of this announcement, the campus located in Toronto would no longer be supported by the college due to the regulations implemented.
This would take $14 million net off the books for the college with Kirkpatrick saying the college will make sure that the students that did attend will still be able to have that history with them.
Programs offered by the college were shown as well as efforts to engage with the community, including the Community Speaker Series that has seen the likes of Arlene Dickinson and Rick Mercer come to Belleville to deliver speeches at the college.
Kirkpatrick wrapped up his presentation by giving the latest on construction projects taking place.
He says the facade of the Belleville campus has changed over the years, including redesigning the front of the college with new signage expected, and the inclusion of a roundabout.
There are also plans for a new gymnasium and a new atrium entrance for the college as well as more student spaces.
Other new additions planned include varsity change rooms and a therapy centre.
Kirkpatrick said many of the things announced and discussed during the presentation only “touch the surface” of what the college has planned for its future and says there is a lot of work going on at the college.
