Construction has begun on Camosun College’s $48.5-million Centre for Health and Wellness.

 

Rising along Interurban Road at the college’s Interurban Campus, the four-storey, 89,000 square foot facility will feature 21,000 square feet of classroom spaces, 19,500 square feet of laboratory facilities and a 3,000 square foot collaboration commons area. Just over 4,000 square feet will be allocated to clinic spaces with 14,000 square feet designated for offices and medical equipment storage space.

 

Camosun College describes the Centre as a “flexible and adaptable health building” designed for “21st century learning” that will “deliver the most modern and appropriately equipped classrooms, with hands-on labs, simulation environments, support and collaboration spaces and medical equipment storage.”

 

The Centre will “help meet the goals of the Ministry of Health’s Services Plan,” an interdisciplinary approach to education that aligns with the efforts of multiple health and social service agencies as they pertain to Camosun’s health care assistance, practical nursing, baccalaureate of science in nursing, medical radiography and mental health/addictions diplomas.

 

Of the $48.5-million price tag for the facility, $43.5-million is covered by commitments from the federal and provincial governments. The remaining $5-million will be raised by Camosun College through fundraising efforts.

 

The new building is expected to welcome students in 2019, although an exact opening date has not yet been determined. C