For Lakehead University, two are better than one.
The university and the City of Barrie announced a second STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Hub at 5 Ross St., complementing a previously announced location at 24 Maple Ave., the former Barrie Transit terminal.
Both hubs are scheduled to open in fall 2026 and are expected to serve more than 700 students during the first five years of operation.
Lakehead first announced plans in late 2024 to establish a STEM hub at the Maple Avenue site. The Ross Street location is a short distance from that campus.
In a media release, Lakehead president and vice-chancellor Dr. Gillian Siddall said the expansion will create a modern, hands-on learning environment in Barrie.
“This marks another incredible milestone for Lakehead University, as we continue to establish our university presence in Barrie,” she said.
“With the support of Mayor Alex Nuttall and the City of Barrie, we are building a modern, purpose-built environment for our students that is perfectly designed for hands-on learning and applied research.”
Nuttall said the second hub will enhance the downtown student experience.
“The expansion of Lakehead University’s presence downtown is a major win for Barrie,” he said.
“This second STEM Hub location not only brings new energy to our core, but also enhances the student experience by creating vibrant, modern spaces to learn, collaborate, and connect. It’s an investment in our students, our businesses, and the future of our city.”
The Ross Street building is currently used by Georgian College’s Arch and Helen Brown Design and Digital Arts Centre. As Georgian continues to expand its downtown programming, a previously announced expansion at 55 Mulcaster St. will allow classes currently held at Ross Street to relocate.
Downtown Coun. Craig Nixon told Compass News that having two Lakehead hubs will support long-term revitalization efforts in the area.
“It was exciting to hear about the first STEM hub coming to the downtown, and it’s even more exciting to know a second location is also planned,” he said.
“We could be looking at upwards of 1,500 students in the future. While we’ll start with a few hundred students in the first few years, having that many students studying downtown means more people frequenting our local coffee shops, restaurants and stores.”
The Ross Street hub will include flexible classrooms, active learning spaces, student services, social areas and graduate student offices.
The Maple Avenue hub will feature specialized research and teaching labs on its ground floor, including advanced facilities for motors and robotics, machines, instrumentation and mechatronics.
