Jim Pattison puts his mark on college

Photo: Grant Scott

Making the announcement in Penticton Monday morning.

Okanagan College's newest building officially opened its doors today.

The Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation exemplifies sustainability inside and out, and will become a leader in education and applied research into sustainable building practices in B.C.

The new centre was constructed with an investment of more than $22 million from the provincial and federal governments under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program and a generous donation of $5 million from community and industry donors, including $2.5 million from the Jim Pattison Foundation.

The leveraging impact of the gift will be a boost of $5-million to the College’s fundraising.

“I am a firm believer in education and understand that innovative buildings such as this are the places where we will train and develop a skilled workforce and the leaders of tomorrow,” said Jim Pattison. “I appreciate the leadership demonstrated by Okanagan College and the overwhelming community support this project has received.”

Premier Christy Clark was also in Penticton for the announcement.

"Our main focus as a government is the B.C. Jobs Plan and ensuring we're creating an environment that supports good jobs for families," said Premier Christy Clark. 

Students who watched the opening were also happy for the opportunity the new facility brings.

"Its been really exciting. It means students can take part in an iconic technology. A lot of it now becoming residentially viable and it's exciting to get the chance to learn from it," says science student Jessie Hewson.

Photo: Grant Scott

B.C.Premier Christy Clark (3rd from left) and Jim Pattison (3rd from right) celebrate as the new facility is officially opened.

"Our government's investment in post-secondary infrastructure has given Okanagan College's students and researchers the facilities they need to be global leaders in their fields," said Okanagan - Coquihalla MP Dan Albas. "This project will allow Okanagan College to strengthen its capacity and build on its reputation as a leading institution of higher learning."

"The Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence not only places B.C. and Okanagan College at the forefront of sustainable construction training," said Jim Hamilton, president of Okanagan College, "it also contains an incubation centre to support entrepreneurs as they conduct applied research and ultimately take their product to the market, creating skilled jobs and regional economic development."

In B.C. the federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of the cost of selected projects on a cost-share basis with the Province. The total investment in these projects is over $520 million including contributions from institutions.