Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning has invested more than $500 million into its facilities, student housing and academic programming.

This includes $100 million-plus for upgrades to the Waterloo campus, enhancing student support services, creating a wellness centre, and adding over 150,000 square feet of learning space.  In Cambridge, nearly $300 million will be directed to the Skilled Trades Campus, which will be the largest trades training facility in Canada, offering workshops, classrooms and labs to support the development of highly skilled trades professionals.

In Milton, the college has opened two new campuses, offering programs in high-demand fields such as computer science, engineering, technology, and health and life sciences. Substantial funds will also be used for the Kitchener-Doon campus to create an advanced healthcare and biotechnology centre that will double the number of students trained for jobs facing significant labour shortages.

“Upgrading our facilities and infrastructure is crucial for giving students the best learning experience possible,” said Trish Weigel Green, vice president, students. “These strategic investments will ensure Conestoga graduates are well-prepared for the evolving job market, ready to make a meaningful impact in our communities.”

Looking ahead, $300 to 400 million is being allocated for planned investments in building renovations, new projects and equipment upgrades, including $150 million in upgrades to the Macdonnell and Speedvale campuses in Guelph, as well as new student housing opportunities to accommodate the student population.

Conestoga also made significant investments in its student housing portfolio, securing eight properties to increase student accommodation capacity. In Kitchener, the college is converting a 12-storey vacant office building on Frederick Street into a mix of student residences and classroom space. The college is also leasing space at 475 King Street North to house students, and has acquired properties in Brantford, Waterloo and Milton for additional student housing.

A Guaranteed Housing program was launched in Brantford and Waterloo for first-year students this year, offering a variety of cost options with some as low as $500 per room. The college has also invested significantly in its CARE Team, a multi-disciplinary group focused on supporting students’ academic and personal goals.

To better align program offerings to the job market, new programs will launch this fall, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, Sustainable Waste Management, and Global Health Management.

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