Northern College gets $5M for mining education, sports dome

Pictured are Jamie Johnston, left, Northern College’s dean of mining, trades, technology and apprenticeship; Kramyr Grenke, chair of the Northern College Board of Governors; Mitch Dumas, Northern College CEO; Tony Makuch, Chairman, President and CEO of Discovery Mining; and, George Pirie, Timmins MPP and Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. (Supplied)

Northern College in Timmins and Discovery Mining Ltd. have announced a partnership that includes millions for a sports dome and mining education at the college.

Discovery Mining will provide $3 million for the dome, which will be renamed the Discovery Fieldhouse. Another $2 million will support the development of an environmental technician program “designed to meet the workforce needs of northern Ontario’s mining sector,” the college said in a news release July 29.

“Discovery’s investment in the Discovery Fieldhouse represents the first major investment in community leisure infrastructure in the region in more than 40 years,” the release said.

Year-round sports facility

“Discovery is helping create a year-round recreational facility that will enhance the health and well-being of residents, strengthen community vitality and make the region an even more attractive place to live, work, study and invest.”

Northern president and CEO Mitch Dumas said the college and Discovery “share a vision.”

“Community services and amenities are as important a draw for potential Northern College students as they are for those looking to find employment and build a life for themselves in the north,” Dumas said in the news release.

“Discovery also understands the value of partnership and collaboration in the creation of tangible career opportunities close to home, knowing that students are far more likely to stay north if they have pathways to great-paying jobs.”

“At Discovery, we believe that strong communities are built through investment in people, health, education, and opportunity,” said Tony Makuch, chairman, president and CEO of Discovery Mining.

Helping Timmins grow

“Supporting projects like the Discovery Fieldhouse reflects our commitment to helping Timmins grow and thrive while creating spaces that bring people together across generations.”

The environmental technician program will launch in fall 2027. The $2 million from Discovery “will support the program’s development, delivery and long-term sustainability while ensuring graduates possess the required skills for the industry,” the release said.

Funding from Discovery will also support the modernization of laboratory facilities at the Timmins campus, program promotion, the creation of scholarships, student placements, experiential learning opportunities and talent pipelines for graduates.

“Environmental stewardship is a critical part of how Discovery operates, grows, and creates long-term value,” Makuch said.

“Through our partnership with Northern College, we are investing in the next generation of environmental professionals who will help ensure responsible resource development for years to come.”

Timmins MPP George Pirie said the funding “is great news for Timmins and northern Ontario.”

“Discovery is investing in the future of our community. These investments will strengthen Northern College, attract more students and skilled workers to Timmins, and help ensure our growing resource sector has the talented workforce it needs for years to come.”

Northern College, established in 1967, has four main campuses located in Haileybury, Kirkland Lake, Moosonee and Timmins.

Discovery Mining Ltd. is a precious metals company that is planning to more than double annual gold production in gold camps in and near Timmins.