Holland College celebrated the grand opening of its new Centre for Community Engagement today, marking a significant milestone in the Prince of Wales Campus Redevelopment project.

The Centre for Community Engagement (CCE) features a 9,400 sq-ft gym, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a walking track, a fitness studio, meeting rooms, and classrooms.

In addition to providing a site for student engagement through varsity and recreational athletic and fitness activities, the CCE will also offer a range of services to residents of the city which will enable and encourage them to learn all they can about what contributes to their health and well-being to help them make informed choices. President Brian McMillan sees the building, which borders on the quadrangle with the Centre for Applied Science and Technology and Glendenning Hall, the college’s residence, as a place for the college and community to come together.

“The Prince of Wales Campus Redevelopment project has enhanced the eastern entrance to the city significantly. In addition to providing more space for the college’s expanding programs, the campus is now a pleasant place that fosters community and economic development,” he said. “The Centre for Community Engagement gives Holland College the opportunity to offer programming to area residents, as well as become engaged with our Island community by offering space for meetings, recreational activities, workshops, and community events. I am pleased that we were able to work with our municipal and provincial partners to bring this project to fruition.”

Charlottetown-Victoria Park MLA Richard Brown said the new facility reflected the importance of Holland College in Island life.

“Islanders recognize that college is not just an institution for young adults considering careers but that it can be a vital resource for learners who are changing jobs, adapting to new work environments or expanding their skill sets. By engaging with the community, Holland College is proving its commitment to be part of the lives of Islanders and part of their lifelong learning and development,” he said.

Charlottetown’s deputy mayor Stu MacFadyen agreed.

“On behalf of my colleagues on city council I want to say how pleased we are to have been partners in the magnificent redevelopment of the Prince of Wales Campus. We at City Hall certainly recognize the opportunities for partnerships between Holland College and the City of Charlottetown. Certainly this redevelopment will bring much more success to the Holland College community, and we at City Hall recognize when Holland College succeeds so does the City of Charlottetown,” he said.

In this picture: (L-R) Hurricanes athlete Lindsay Shupe, college vice president Michael O’Grady, MLA Richard Brown, City of Charlottetown deputy mayor Stu MacFadyen, student union president Jessica Wakelin, college president Dr. Brian McMillan, and Hurricanes athlete Alvin Parker prepare to cut the ribbon to officially open Holland College’s new Centre for Community Engagement.