Fleming College

Celebrating the new class of skilled professionals

Peterborough ON – (December 5, 2014) – Preparing graduates for an evolving workplace that is more often fusing trades and technology together was the driving force behind the new Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre (KTTC).

And after years of planning, design and construction, the KTTC was officially opened today at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus in Peterborough.

“The opening of the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre marks a major milestone in the College’s history. We are excited to celebrate this occasion with the community,” said Tony Tilly, President, Fleming College. “While today we are celebrating the opening of the building, which is truly a work of art, we are also recognizing the enthusiasm and dedication of our faculty and staff, and the unparalleled learning experience our students will receive in this facility.”

The 87,000-square-foot building houses trades and technology programming that includes carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding and heating, refrigeration and air conditioning. The KTTC features state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in classroom technology. Sustainable elements are woven throughout the building, which includes locally-sourced and FSC-certified materials, a grey-water collection system, and plug-ins for electric vehicles.

“I want to congratulate President Tilly and Fleming College on the grand opening of this remarkable facility. With the assistance of the Government of Ontario, Fleming has been able to build a world class training facility here at the Peterborough campus. Students from the Kawarthas and beyond will now be able to attend this campus to gain the knowledge needed to have a successful career in the skilled trades,” said Jeff Leal, MPP, Peterborough.

The training facility cost $36.6 million to build with $29.3 million in funding coming from the Government of Ontario. The remainder was funded through contributions from municipal governments, a fundraising campaign, and the College.

“We are extremely grateful to the provincial government for recognizing the need for a facility such as this, and the opportunities it presents to our region,” said Tilly. “I would also like to acknowledge the many community partners who contributed to this facility. These contributions took on many forms – everything from the initial vision and ideas, to volunteering, to equipment and in-kind donations, right down to dollars and cents. We would not be here today without you.”

Filled with natural light, the KTTC’s design ensures a constant sense of proximity to the College’s natural woodland setting. Designed by the architects of Perkins + Will, the facility blends fluently with the main campus building, which was itself designed by architect Ron Thom. Elite Construction was the general contractor with a number of local sub-contractors also contributing to the construction of the KTTC.

To officially open the building, dignitaries cut a gold ribbon with 3D-printed scissors (using ‘cutting edge’ technology, the scissors were printed in the KTTC). Guests at the event took tours of the facility to see first-hand the unique learning environment students are experiencing.

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Science, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has 5,900 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and more than 68,000 alumni.
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For more information:
Laura Copeland
Communications Officer
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370