Lakeland College is ensuring students have access to the modern classrooms, labs, residences and learning environments they need to thrive by continuing to invest in essential capital renewal projects across its campuses.

The projects underway this summer are part of the college’s long-term commitment to renewing existing infrastructure, supporting enrolment growth and enhancing the immersive student experience both inside and outside the classroom.

"Providing exceptional learning environments is critical to student success," says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. "These investments ensure our facilities continue to support the hands-on, industry-aligned education Lakeland is known for while making the most of our existing infrastructure. From classrooms and labs to residences and student gathering spaces, we are creating environments where students can learn, collaborate, build skills and feel at home."

Vermilion campus

At the Vermilion campus, work is nearing completion on the modernization of the Newcombe N. Bentley Building, one of the college’s largest capital renewal projects. The modernized building will feature an interior design studio, child and youth care counselling practice rooms, a playroom and play lab for early childhood education students, an Indigenous Lounge and updated classrooms and collaborative learning spaces designed to support evolving program needs. The project is 95 per cent complete. Students will kick off the fall semester in the renewed facility.

Additional projects underway include improvements around Alumni Hall, where north and south entrances are being restructured to enhance emergency access, improve site safety, address drainage concerns and increase the overall functionality of the surrounding area. Roadway upgrades, site improvements and landscape renewal are also planned. A roof and window replacement project at Alumni Hall is also currently underway.

Student housing has also seen upgrades, including improvements to residence dining and study spaces, door replacements and other interior enhancements.

Lloydminster campus

At the Lloydminster campus, ongoing residence renewal projects continue to improve the student living experience through interior finishing upgrades, kitchen improvements and grounds and pathway enhancements. The Spinwheel residences were also refreshed with upgraded bathrooms and living room furniture, as well as new beds.

Over the past year, Lakeland installed updated residence signage and opened a new coffee shop and study lounge in Prairie Hall. The concept originated from a business marketing class project in 2024, where students surveyed their peers to help shape the space’s design, menu offerings and overall atmosphere. The coffee shop provides a flexible environment for studying, collaboration and relaxation.

With domestic enrolment continuing to grow, Lakeland is also planning for future instructional space needs at the Lloydminster campus. The college will repurpose existing spaces to support additional classrooms and labs, maximizing current infrastructure rather than pursuing new construction. As part of this process, Campus Corner Children’s Centre was provided notice in March that its lease agreement will conclude on Sept. 30 and will be relocating to another location in Lloydminster. The college will be determining options for the most effective use of the 337 square metre (3,600 square foot) space to address student access and instructional needs.

Repurposing existing space is the most sustainable and cost-effective way to respond to enrolment growth while ensuring facilities continue to meet the needs of learners.

"Strategic capital renewal allows us to remain a destination of choice for students while responsibly stewarding our resources," says Dr. Wainwright-Stewart.