The government of Alberta is investing $16 million in Lakeland College, mainly targeting the revitalization of the Bentley Building, which has stood on the Vermilion campus since 1969. Supplied Photo
The Bentley Building on the Vermilion campus of Lakeland College will undergo a major facelift thanks to a $16 million investment from the Government of Alberta.
Of the total, $13.3 million will be used to revitalize the Bentley and support growing student enrolment at Lakeland.
An additional $2.7 million will support other capital maintenance and renewal projects at the college.
Lakeland president and CEO, Alice Wainwright-Stewart was over the moon over what the funding will mean for students.
“Modern and interactive learning environments are essential for helping prepare students for the real world,” said Wainwright-Stewart.
“Our thanks to the Government of Alberta for investing in the transformation of the Bentley Building, ensuring Lakeland can continue to produce skilled graduates who will go on to enhance our communities.”
The Bentley houses Lakeland’s award-winning interior design technology and early childhood education programs.
The Bentley has been a hub on the Vermilion campus since 1969.
The building houses growing human services programs that produce graduates who fill important and in-demand roles that support children, youth, seniors and at-risk families, and advocate for mental health.
Many graduates of these programs are women or Indigenous Peoples. This is the first substantial modernization of the building since opening in 1969.
“This investment will really go a long way not just for our college community but for everyone in the region,” said Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright MLA Garth Rowswell.
More homegrown talent will mean more opportunity and a better quality of life for everyone in our community.”
