Assiniboine Community College is in its third year of relocation to the historic site of the former Brandon Mental Health Centre in Brandon, Manitoba. The first phase of this exciting project was completed in 2007, with the opening of the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts. Phase two of the project was completed with the $45 million Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology opening in September 2010. The new facility has allowed us to double apprenticeship enrolment to meet the growing labour needs of the region. Phase three of the relocation will see the remainder of the college's Brandon-based programming moved to the Parkland building at the site.
Phase One
The Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts institute houses the Hotel and Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts programs, as well as community programming. This beautiful institute opened September 2007 and marked the start of the college's relocation to the North hill.
The building is a Manitoba Heritage site dating back to 1923 and was restored to its former glory during the renovation process. The result is a mix of old and new, with mural paintings on the walls and ceiling and original oak panelling next to new facilities such as a state-of-the art kitchen and the Manitoba Canola Growers Culinary Theatre. Students and staff work and learn in a facility that includes a teaching kitchen, the majestic Grey Owl dining room, study hall, bistro-style courtyard, modern classrooms, and a $1 million Manitoba Canola Growers Culinary Theatre.
Phase Two
Construction began on the Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology in August of 2008. The facility is a delightful mix of old and new, as the former brick Pine Ridge building is renovated and merged with a new steel structure. The 135,000 square foot building will significantly increase the total number of advanced skilled trades students being trained at ACC.
Among the benefits of the expanded facilities of the new trades centre will be:
Increased capacity
- Training for almost 1,300 students annually
- New programs in Truck Transport, Machinist, and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic-Residential
- Over 130,000 sq feet of training space.
- Up to 25 new instructors
Increased ability to meet changing/ growing/ evolving industry needs
- Improved machine shops, CNC labs, computer rooms, smart classrooms
- Increased access for non-traditional trades students
- Delivery of specialized training for industry
- Continued training partnerships with outside agencies
- Student support services such as food services, counselling, tutorial support, a student lounge, internet access, study areas, and health services.
Phase Three
Phase three of ACC's move to the North Hill Campus will see the remainder of Brandon-based programming moved to the majestic Parkland Building on the site. The college is continuing to work with the government of Manitoba, the City of Brandon and its community partners in their commitment to this project.