University presence makes its way to downtown Barrie

Lakehead University in Orillia, Ont. (CTV News/Craig Momney)

A university presence continues to get established in the heart of Barrie.

Post-secondary and graduate students will soon get the opportunity to study close to home, with an additional location of Lakehead University’s Barrie STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Hub opening downtown Barrie.

While one location already exists at 24 Maple Avenue, the second location will be nearby at 5 Ross Street and is set to open in the fall.

The Barrie STEM Hub is a place for engineering and computer science students to study in a high-tech, hands-on environment to prepare for in-demand careers.

The new Ross Street location will incorporate flexible classrooms and active learning spaces, student services and social areas. This location will also have graduate student offices.

The Maple Avenue location has specialized research and teaching laboratories as well as advanced labs for motors and robotics, machines, instrumentation and mechatronics.

The spaces combined total 27,000 square feet.

Barrie is one of the only fast-growing municipalities in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, spanning from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay, that doesn’t have a university campus.

“The expansion of Lakehead University’s presence downtown is a major win for Barrie,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “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.”

Georgian College has also spread its wings to downtown Barrie with a location at 55 Mulcaster Street, with a focus on creative programming in design, visual arts and emerging innovative technologies.

“By creating new pathways for local learners and new talent pipelines for local employers, we are helping build a stronger, more resilient regional economy,” explained Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University.

Students wishing to apply to the Barrie STEM Hub can go to the Lakehead University website.