Barrie celebrates opening of Lakehead University STEM Hub in downtown

Barrie has officially entered a new era of post-secondary education.

Lakehead University and the City of Barrie celebrated the opening of the Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub on Thursday, marking the establishment of the city’s first university campus.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the downtown facility brought together municipal, provincial and federal representatives, Lakehead officials and community leaders. This included Mayor Alex Nuttall, Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson, MPs John Brassard and Doug Shipley, MPPs Doug Downey and Andrea Khanjin, as well as members of Barrie city council.

The STEM Hub operates across two downtown locations at 24 Maple Ave., the former Barrie Transit Terminal, and 5 Ross St. The facilities comprise more than 26,000 square feet of laboratory and classroom space.

Students will receive hands-on education in engineering, mechatronics and computer science at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gillian Siddall says this is a huge step for both the university and the school.

“With the opening of the Barrie STEM Hub, we’re establishing the first university campus in Barrie – a history-making moment for the City of Barrie and for Lakehead University,” she said.

“At its heart, the STEM Hub is about creating opportunities for students. It’s about building stronger connections between education and industry and ensuring that talented young people have the opportunity to learn, stay, build careers and contribute to the communities around them.”

The first class of students will begin at the STEM Hub on Sept. 8, with the facility expected to eventually bring upwards of 800 students, researchers and employees into downtown Barrie.

Nuttall said the city has long recognized the importance of giving local students access to post-secondary education without having to leave the community.

“Over the last decade or over a decade ago, Barrie identified the need for university presence in our community in order to give our young people the opportunity to realize their dreams,” he said.

“As one of Ontario’s fastest growing cities, we recognize the importance of providing local access to post-secondary education and creating more opportunities for residents to learn, work and build their futures here at home. Today that vision is becoming a reality.”

Nuttall added that the STEM Hub is not just a new opportunity for students, calling it an investment in Barrie’s future.

“The Lakehead University-Barrie STEM Hub represents far more than a new educational facility,” he said.

“It’s an investment in talent, an investment in innovation and opportunity. It creates a pathway for students to pursue in-demand careers right here in Barrie while helping local employers access that skilled and talented workforce they need to grow and succeed.”

Downey said the project represents an important investment in skills development and the future of the community.

“This is very personal for all of us,” he said.

“This is at the intersection for the province about skills development, about science, technology, engineering and math. It’s about bringing the best of the best right here in the heart of Barrie.”

Thomson said the university presence will give students an opportunity to pursue their education close to home.

“The Barrie STEM Hub will create opportunities for students,” he said. “It builds community.”