Premier Robert Ghiz and Holland College President Dr. Brian McMillan unveiled plans today at a news conference for Phase II of the Holland College Campus Development Plan.

The development plan for Holland College includes construction of a Centre for Community Engagement; expanding Glendenning Hall, the student residence; renovations to the older wings of the Charlottetown Centre and creating more green space and walking paths through the campus.

The province committed $8.5 million for the first phase of the expansion announced in early June which includes the construction of a $17 million Applied Science and Technology Centre for Holland College. Funding for the new facility will be cost-shared by the provincial and federal governments under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program.

Premier Ghiz said the Government of PEI is proud to partner with Holland College to improve training and educational opportunities for Islanders.

“Our support for the expansion of Holland College reflects a strong commitment by government to strengthening post-secondary education on Prince Edward Island,” said Premier Ghiz. “This investment in the future growth of Holland College will mean new facilities and increased training capacity that will benefit all of Prince Edward Island for generations to come.”

“Holland College and the Government of Prince Edward Island have been strong educational and economic development partners for many years, working together to provide education and training to thousands of Islanders,” stated Dr. McMillan. “The new facilities and renovations included in the Campus Development Plan are absolutely vital to the college’s ability to ensure our students have access to new technologies delivered in state of the art facilities. The college is tremendously grateful for the support the government is showing in the work that we do.”

Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, said government has been working closely with Holland College to develop programming that reflects the needs of the labour market.

“Government has been working successfully with Holland College to develop training programs that will prepare Islanders for the jobs that exist in today’s labour market,” said Minister Campbell. “Investing in post-secondary education is a key component of our economic strategy. We are working to ensure that all Islanders have the training and education they need to take advantage of the opportunities in today’s economy.”

The Government of PEI will invest up to $20 million in the expansion, which includes the provincial contribution of the KIP award. The total provincial investment will depend upon the success of Holland College in seeking matching funds from other levels of government, industry partners and the college’s own capital campaign.

Construction is expected to begin in early fall pending City of Charlottetown approvals for the proposed expansion plans.

In this picture: Representatives from Holland College and the Province of Prince Edward Island unveil plans for Phase II of the Holland College Campus Development Plan. Taking part in the announcement were Holland College President Dr. Brian McMillan, Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, Michael O'Grady, Vice-President, Innovation, Enterprise and Strategic Development at Holland College and Premier Robert Ghiz.