Grand re-opening of historic College Avenue Campus after extensive renovations

By Jon Tewksbury Posted: October 5, 2018 5:20 p.m.

Ribbon cutting ceremony (L-R) Dr. Thomas Chase, Provost and Vice-President (Academic), U of R; Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness; Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor, U of R; Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Minister of Advanced Education; Mayor Michael Fougere. Photos by External Relations

College Building at historic College Avenue campus (artist rendering).

University of Regina faculty and staff, senate and board members, along with government dignitaries, artists, and community leaders, were on hand today for the official grand re-opening of the newly renovated College Building at the College Avenue campus. The early Collegiate Gothic style building had been deteriorating after 100 years of use, but now, thanks to a $63.6 million restoration project, the historic College Building will continue to provide a place of higher learning for generations to come.

Among the notable dignitaries at today’s event was the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Minister of Advanced Education, His Worship City of Regina Mayor Michael Fougere, University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons, and Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy Robertson Scholarship recipient Marty Glazebrook.

Speaking to the crowd in the newly renovated College Building atrium, Dr. Timmons lauded the beautiful restoration work and thanked those involved in the massive project.

“Revitalizing the building over the past few years to make it a modern, accessible place of learning in the heart of Regina was, once again, a community endeavour,” said Timmons, “and we owe a great debt of thanks to the many dedicated individuals and organizations who provided the necessary support. You have left a legacy for the next 100 years. Thank you for your belief we could do this.”

The College Building is home to the University’s Centre for Continuing Education, including the Lifelong Learning Centre and the Conservatory of Performing Arts. It is also home to the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, one of Canada’s leading policy schools, and its Centre for the Study of Science Innovation and Policy. More than 8,000 people study each year at College Avenue campus, and now the fully-renovated building features modern teaching technology, increased building accessibility, and ultra-high energy efficiency, all while preserving and restoring heritage elements throughout the building. The beautiful new atrium provides street level access to the College Building and its additions, while the modern elevator provides access to the lower, main, second and third floors of the building.

Phase two of the College Avenue Campus Renewal Project will continue with the full restoration of Darke Hall, Regina’s historic concert venue, and the completion of the historic lecture hall in the College Building, to be completed in 2020. Fundraising for this final phase of the College Avenue Campus is underway.

For more: https://www.uregina.ca/external/communications/releases/current/nr-09052018.html