Lakehead University's first campus in Barrie is officially complete, with the first students set to arrive downtown next month.
The Barrie STEM Hub spans two downtown locations — on Maple Avenue and on Ross Street — with nearly 2,500 sq. metres of lab and classroom space for engineering, mechatronics and computer science.
Officials from the City of Barrie and the university cut the ribbon on Thursday at the Maple Avenue facility ahead of students taking their first classes inside the city's former transit terminal on Sept. 8.
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall highlighted the change in the building's purpose, noting that the site was previously used to drop off people released from prison.
"Four years ago, this was the place where individuals were dropped on the side of the road in a city they didn't know, with nothing, when they were released from [Central North Correctional Centre]," he said. "(Less than) two weeks from now, this is the place where parents are going to be dropping their young people at their first day of university."
After transit operations moved to the new Allandale Transit Terminal last year, the former terminal's lower level was renovated into a modern education space. Its former bus platforms on the west side have also been transformed into a courtyard for students.
The City of Barrie's investment in the campus was for $9.9 million, committed in November 2024, from various reserve funds. The province also provided a one-time fund of $1 million to assist Barrie with addressing student housing needs.
"[It] represents far more than a new educational facility: it's an investment in talent, an investment in innovation and opportunity," he said. "It creates a pathway for students to pursue in-demand careers right here in Barrie, while helping local employers access that skilled and talented workforce they need to grow and succeed."
Barrie is also home to Georgian College's flagship campus, with the college continuing its partnership with Lakehead and the City.
Lakehead president Dr. Gillian Siddall says the facility's opening marks a new era for Barrie.
"This space will become a place where ideas are developed, connections are made, and the next generation of talent helps shape helps shape the future of this city," she said.
Lakehead expects the hub to eventually bring upwards of 800 students, researchers and employees into downtown Barrie over its five-year lease of the facility.
The university's main campus is in Thunder Bay, but it's had a presence in Orillia since 2016.
