Holland College | CIC celebrates grand re-opening and campaign conclusion
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CIC celebrates grand re-opening and campaign conclusion


Staff, students, government representatives and donors celebrated the completion of the $7.5 million revitalization of The Culinary Institute of Canada made possible through the generosity of private donors, the Government of Canada, and the Province of Prince Edward Island during an event that featured food samplings, facility tours, and the unveiling of the Nourish campaign donor wall.

The revitalization included renovations to approximately 8,500 sq. ft. in Holland College’s Tourism and Culinary Centre, located on the Charlottetown harbourfront, an expansion to incorporate a state-of-the-art butchery, a cold cuisine production kitchen, and more than $1.8 million in the latest technology and equipment. The dining room was expanded, and the cafeteria was completely redesigned to better replicate the modern food service environment.

The project also included an in-house growing program and greening and sustainability imperatives were addressed through enhancements to the building’s mechanical, lighting, building envelope and safety systems.

The federal and provincial governments contributed $5.1 million to the project.  An additional $2.4 million was raised through the Holland College Foundation’s Nourish campaign, including a $500,000 investment in student financial aid, from which a new slate of entrance awards for students at The Culinary Institute of Canada will be established.

“For our students to prosper tomorrow, they need modern schools today. Quality infrastructure is a key component for attracting and retaining talented people, boosting innovation and building a sustainable economy, said Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown. “This funding will allow students to be innovative and creative as they perform research and generate new ideas.”

“When we support change and innovation in post-secondary education, we are investing in our future workers and our Island’s prosperity,” Workforce and Advanced Learning Minister Gallant said. “With our province known as Canada’s Food Island, government knew it was vital to invest in our world-class culinary institute to keep our high-quality food products among the world’s best.” 

"Prince Edward Island is gaining an international reputation as a culinary destination, and a key asset to this success is The Culinary Institute of Canada. This revitalization effort was not only essential for the college and its students, it was important to industry and the community as well, evidenced by the tremendous support received through private sector donations." - Kevin Murphy, Chair of the Holland College Foundation's Nourish Campaign

“This innovative transformation has ensured that The Culinary Institute of Canada is on the forefront of the changing needs of a dynamic, robust, and growing culinary industry,” said Dr. Sandy MacDonald, President of Holland College.  “Thank you to the Government of Canada, the Province of Prince Edward Island, and the many private sector donors for supporting our efforts to foster innovation, broaden knowledge, and best equip the next generation of culinary stars.”

For more information about The Culinary Institute of Canada’s programs and for information about the operating hours for the cafeteria and dining room, visit www.hollandcollege.com/cic.

In this picture: (L-R) Holland College president Dr. Sandy MacDonald; Hon. Sonny Gallant, minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning; MP Sean Casey; Dr. Brian McMillan, former Holland College president; and Kevin Murphy, Chair of the Nourish campaign.


For more information about this release, please contact:
Sara Underwood, Media and Communications Officer
Tel: 902-566-9695
Date: Friday, January 18, 2019