Media Releases – Northern College Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:01:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.12 /uploads/2025/03/cropped-Favicon-N-32x32.jpg Media Releases – Northern College 32 32 Northern College Receives $150,000 donation from RBC Foundation /news-and-updates/northern-college-receives-150000-donation-from-rbc-foundation/ Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:20:36 +0000 /?p=69443 Northern College and the RBC Foundation are pleased to announce that the institution is the successful recipient of $150,000 in funding for the revitalization of the Haileybury School of Mines (HSM).

The donation will support further HSM program growth and sustainability, while modernizing existing classroom and laboratory facilities at Northern campuses.

“Over the past two years, we’ve been working diligently with our industry and expert partners to modernize our mining offerings through HSM,” stated Jamie Johnston, Dean of Mining, Trades, Technology, and Apprenticeship at Northern. “This modernized mining school will provide opportunity for northerners to gain the in-demand skills they need to set themselves up on an amazing career path in the mining industry.”

RBC Foundation’s support will help expand Northern’s efforts to recruit students for mining programming, while enabling the continued development of curriculum with the primary goal of supporting the region’s large-scale industrial mining expansion.

“Mining, like all modern industry, is changing at a rapid rate, constantly evolving in technique and technology,” stated Mitch Dumas, President & CEO at Northern. “This funding from the RBC Foundation will contribute to ensuring that our HSM programs keep pace with industry standards and best practices, providing our students with the classroom and laboratory spaces required to excel during their studies and graduate with the relevant, in-demand skills needed to start their careers.”

Ontario’s northeast is in dire need of skilled tradespeople to support the scope of industrial expansion outlined in provincial and national priorities. The funding provided through the RBC Foundation reflects the urgency of that need.

“At RBC, we believe that equipping communities with in-demand skills that unlock meaningful careers builds resilience and transforms lives,” stated Scott Simon, RBC Regional Vice President – Northern Lakes. “Northern College’s Haileybury School of Mines is a vital partner in preparing diverse learners for quality jobs in a growing industrial sector. This collaboration advances RBC Foundation’s mission of supporting long-term collective prosperity.”

Northern College recognizes that the path to a brighter socio-economic future for Ontario’s northeast is only possible through cooperation, collaboration and partnership with like-minded organizations like RBC and its Foundation.

Northern echoes RBC Foundation’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves and is proud to partner with them to achieve that goal.

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Northern College Unveils ‘GO NORTH’ ‘STAY NORTH’ Brand Strategy /news-and-updates/northern-college-unveils-go-north-stay-north-brand-strategy/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:19:11 +0000 /?p=69337 Northern College is proud to announce the launch of its new brand ‘GO NORTH’; a simple message and call to action which the institution is confident will resonate with learners seeking a brighter future in one of the country’s fastest growing economies.Ìý

Northern College Executive Director of Director of Marketing, Communications and External Relations Jaret Dicks and Northern College President & CEO Mitch Dumas pose with one of the Institution’s recruitment vehicles, displaying Northern’s new ‘GO NORTH’ ‘STAY NORTH’ branding.

Northern College Executive Director of Director of Marketing, Communications and External Relations Jaret Dicks and Northern College President & CEO Mitch Dumas pose with one of the Institution’s recruitment vehicles, displaying Northern’s new ‘GO NORTH’ ‘STAY NORTH’ branding.

The new brand is part of a five year marketing and recruitment strategy designed to reach potential learners from northern Ontario and across the country. In keeping the message simple and actionable, the brand allows the focus to remain on the quality programs Northern offers along with the high employment and job satisfaction rates enjoyed by Northern grads.

“The post-secondary landscape in the province and the country is incredibly competitive,” stated Jaret Dicks, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications, External Relations and Recruitment at Northern. “This campaign, the brand and message represent a clear opportunity for future students: ‘GO NORTH’ or ‘STAY NORTH’ for a brighter future, for fantastic, career-oriented programs, for smaller class sizes and the kind hands-on learning that gets you hired and allows you to grow into a successful professional.”

This new branding is supported by modern, data-informed marketing practices coupled with tried and true traditional recruitment approaches, allowing Northern to delve into new markets while maintaining the personalized touch the institution is known for.

“Consistency, exposure and familiarity are the main goals of this refreshed marketing approach,” stated Dicks. “Rather than make small changes and improvements to existing branding each year, we’ll be maintaining this core messaging year over year for at least five years or longer.”

“This will be critical to building and maintaining brand familiarity as we extend our advertising and recruitment reach into new domestic and international markets,” added Dicks.

The brand consists of two separate, but interconnected messages: ‘GO NORTH’ is the primary advertising message for areas outside of Northern’s home region and ‘STAY NORTH’ for messaging closer to home.

“Northeastern Ontario is experiencing a productivity boom like nothing we’ve seen in decades; industry expansion, job creation and an uprecedented demand for highly skilled professionals,” stated Mitch Dumas, President & CEO of Northern College. “We are in an incredible position to serve as a talent pipeline to support this growth and in order to do that effectively, our promotional and recruitment efforts must be effective, catchy and representative of what an education at Northern can provide.”

Northern is confident this refreshed identity, combined with proven recruitment techniques will continue to boost domestic enrolment at each of its four campuses, supported by new facilities, and newly refined program offerings.

“Our campus communities are a destination for those looking to build a life for themselves in a region that provides an earning potential and quality of life you won’t find in other parts of the province,” added Dumas. “What we’re offering is some of the best post-secondary programming in the province, located in a place where building a future – on your own terms – is a realistic and attainable prospect.”

If students are looking for a tangible, effective pathway to a well-paying career in one of Canada’s fastest growing economic zones, the message from Northern College is simple: ‘GO NORTH’ and ‘STAY NORTH.’

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Northern College Applauds $10.7M investment by the Province of Ontario /news-and-updates/northern-college-applauds-10-7m-investment-by-the-province-of-ontario/ Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:09:11 +0000 /?p=68945 Northern College applauds the investment of 10.7 million dollars in funding by the Ontario Government, its Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

The investment comes as part of the province’s revised funding model for post-secondary education, representing an additional 6.4 billion dollar investment in colleges, universities and Indigenous institutes across Ontario; a funding envelop designed to build long-term sustainability in the sector.

“At Northern, we’re incredibly proud to be receiving this essential funding expansion,” stated Mitch Dumas, President & CEO at Northern. “Our role as an educator, community partner and critical talent pipeline for local and regional industry in the northeast is significant, and thanks to this funding increase, we can maintain and even expand that role.”

Northern College services an area of 210,000 square kilometres, providing educational support to dozens of rural and remote communities throughout this region, playing an essential role in maintaining high-quality educational offerings, right here in the north.

“In order to protect our province, it is imperative that we continue to train a strong, highly skilled workforce for Ontario for decades to come,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security in a press release issued last week. “Through these changes, including $6.4 billion in new funding for the postsecondary sector, our government is not only ensuring the sustainability of our colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes, but also preparing our graduates with the in-demand skills they need to meaningfully find good-paying, rewarding careers, while continuing to keep education accessible and keep costs down for students and their families.”

As Federal and Provincial governments prioritize the development of critical minerals and Canada’s natural resource sector, expanded funding is crucial in allowing Northern College to fulfil its mandate to develop programming shaped by rapidly expanding industry need and job market demand in the region.

“Northern College is well positioned to advance the long-term objectives of the Ontario government. Located within the province’s strong natural resource sector, the College delivers graduates whose impact is felt immediately by industry,” stated Mitch Dumas, President and CEO of Northern College. “Increased government support expands opportunities for northerners to build in-demand skills, strengthen regional economic drivers, and contribute to Ontario’s economy. This funding represents an important investment in Northern College and northeastern Ontario.”

Following a new funding model, the Ontario government is investing an additional $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 seats for in-demand post-secondary programs. Aimed at expanding enrolment in healthcare, skilled trades, teaching and STEM programs, the model lays the foundation to build the highly skilled workforce business and communities depend on.

“This funding not only invests in colleges and polytechnics in Ontario to produce job-ready graduates who fuel our economy; it recognizes that these institutions, working with industry and government partners to protect Ontario, are more important now, than ever,” stated Maureen Adamson, President and CEO of Colleges Ontario, in a press release. “Thank you, Minister Quinn for your continued, extraordinary leadership and to the provincial government for recognizing the importance of colleges and polytechnics in our communities across the province.”

Northern College continues to invest in programming and facilities that ensure students have access to the latest in relevant technologies and experiences, rooted in an experiential approach to education.

This expanded funding model will allow for investment in new facilities, training equipment and program development, ensuring the region has localized access to a brighter, more productive future.

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Discovery Mining Ltd. Invest $5.0 Million in Northern College Facilities and Programming as Part of New Partnership /news-and-updates/discovery-fieldhouse/ Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:41:45 +0000 /?p=68311 Northern College andÌýDiscovery Mining Ltd.Ìý(TSX: DSV, OTCQX: DSVSF) (“Discovery”) today announced a collaborative partnership that includes a $3 million investment in the Sports Dome, which will be renamed the Discovery Fieldhouse, and $2 million towards the development of an Environmental Technician Program designed to meet the workforce needs of Northern Ontario’s mining sector.

northern college senior management accept donation to sports dome from Discovery

Discovery’s investment in the Discovery Fieldhouse represents the first major investment in community leisure infrastructure in the region in more than 40 years. Discovery is helping create a year-round recreational facility that will enhance the health and wellbeing of residents, strengthen community vitality, and make the region an even more attractive place to live, work, study, and invest.

“Discovery shares our vision for this facility and understands its importance to the wider community,” stated Mitch Dumas, President & CEO at Northern. “Community services and amenities are as important a draw for potential Northern College students as they are for those looking to find employment and build a life for themselves in the north.”

“At Discovery, we believe that strong communities are built through investment in people, health, education, and opportunity,” stated Tony Makuch, Chairman, President and CEO, Discovery Mining Ltd.ÌýÌý“Supporting projects like the Discovery Fieldhouse reflects our commitment to helping Timmins grow and thrive while creating spaces that bring people together across generations.”

Discovery joins the City of Timmins, Caisse Alliance, the Northern College Student Association’s Timmins chapter and the Province of Ontario via the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation in supporting the Discovery Fieldhouse through financial and partnership contributions. Together, these investments reflect a shared commitment to strengthening community infrastructure. Discovery’s investment builds on a long legacy of mining companies supporting community activities in the Timmins region.Ìý

“Mining companies like Discovery have long played a critical role in the creation and maintenance of athletic and recreational facilities in the Timmins community and we are incredibly proud to partner in keeping that legacy alive,” added Dumas. “Discovery also understands the value of partnership and collaboration in the creation of tangible career opportunities close to home, knowing that students are far more likely to stay north if they have pathways to great paying jobs.”Ìý

The partnership with Northern College includes a $2.0 million investment in the co-development of the Environmental Technician program, launching in the Fall of 2027. This investment will support the program’s development, delivery and long-term sustainability while ensuring graduates possess the required skills for the industry.Ìý

“This incredible investment in the creation of the Environmental Technician Program is so much more than monetary support,” stated Jamie Johnston, Dean of Mining, Trades, Technology and Apprenticeship at Northern College. “The Discovery team have been critical in shaping the program, its curriculum, delivery modalities and learning priorities; we’ve worked closely for months to ensure the program closes the gap between academic requirements and tangible workforce needs.”

Funding from Discovery will also assist in the modernization of laboratory facilities at the Timmins Campus, program promotion, the creation of scholarships, student placements, experiential learning opportunities and talent pipelines for graduates.

“Environmental stewardship is a critical part of how Discovery operates, grows, and creates long-term value. Through our partnership with Northern College, we are investing in the next generation of environmental professionals who will help ensure responsible resource development for years to come,” added Makuch. By supporting the Environmental Technician program, we’re helping build a local talent pipeline that combines technical expertise with a strong understanding of the environmental and community priorities that matter most in Northern Ontario. This investment reflects our commitment to education, skills development, and creating meaningful career opportunities while ensuring our industry has access to the highly skilled local workforce needed to meet future environmental and sustainability challenges.”

Long-term collaboration with Discovery will strengthen Northern College’s ability to meet the specific needs of local industry and employers while supporting community development and advancing broader Provincial and Federal priorities for natural resource development.

“This partnership between Northern College and Discovery Mining is great news for Timmins and northern Ontario,” stated George Pirie, Member of Provincial Parliament for Timmins. “By investing in the new Environmental Technician program, the Sports Dome, and student opportunities, Discovery is investing in the future of our community. These investments will strengthen Northern College, attract more students and skilled workers to Timmins, and help ensure our growing resource sector has the talented workforce it needs for years to come.”

“From building the workforce for our in-demand sectors to supporting local health and recreation, our colleges and universities are the backbone of communities across Ontario,” stated Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Our government welcomes this investment from Discovery Mining to Northern College, boosting the institution’s ability to deliver sought after programming, enhancing community infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships between institutions and employers.”

Shaping the future of opportunity and growth in Timmins and the surrounding region through partnerships demonstrates what can be achieved when industry and education work together toward a shared vision. By investing in students, community infrastructure, and workforce development, Discovery and Northern College are building a stronger, more prosperous future for Timmins and the surrounding region.

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Northern College Introduces Indigenous Student Transition Program /news-and-updates/northern-college-introduces-indigenous-student-transition-program/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:08:13 +0000 /?p=68113 Northern College is pleased to announce the creation of a program uniquely designed to set first-year Indigenous students up for success as they transition into the post-secondary environment.

Running from August 26 to September 4 -, the Indigenous Student Transition Program is a direct response to student success metrics, reflecting Northern’s commitment to fostering the kind of educational environment which ensures no student is left behind.

“For our First Nations, Inuit and Métis students, the transition from their home communities, coupled with the typical stresses of pursuing a post-secondary education can be an overwhelming culture-shock,” stated Christina Kioke, Manager of Indigenous Services and Initiatives at Northern. “Our goal is to provide these students with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with our College, our communities and the services we can provide for them during their studies.”

“Fundamentally, this is an investment in setting them up for success,” added Kioke.

The weeklong program includes campus and community tours, academic preparation sessions, cultural programming, and opportunities to connect with mental health, wellness and student support services –ÌýÌýall designed to empower, inform and foster a positive and supportive environment.

“The program is carefully designed to help them connect, to make friends, to feel supported and ultimately succeed in their studies during their time with us at Northern,” stated Kioke. “This program is offered to these students at no additional cost because our goal is to provide wrap around, trauma informed, culturally safe services which promote cultural identity and belonging.”

Rooted in Northern’s broader commitments to the region it serves, reflecting its unique cultural makeup and values, the program is tailored to create and foster an educational environment where students feel connected to community, supported in their identity and more likely to thrive academically, personally and culturally.

“For decades, Northern College has served a region similar in size to Great Britain, both its larger centres and the smaller, more remote communities which populate it,” stated Dean Lessard, Senior Vice President Academic at Northern. “We know that being presentÌýÌýand providing opportunities may not always be enough, especially for our First Nations, Métis and Inuit students; we are invested in – and dedicated to – students success at Northern and programs like this are an excellent example of that commitment.”

As Northern undertakes this program for the first time, plans for future refinement and development are rooted in active student feedback, ensuring the initiative is truly reflective of student experience and need.

“A great education is rooted support, access and understanding; in fostering an environment where students feel comfortable, empowered and ready to succeed,” added Lessard.

Indigenous Student Transition Program

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Northern College Partners with Niagara College and Cambrian College to support Training in Mongolia /news-and-updates/northern-college-partners-with-niagara-college-and-cambrian-college-to-support-training-in-mongolia/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:12:50 +0000 /?p=67926  

Northern College Partners with Niagara College and Cambrian College to support Training in Mongolia

 

TIMMINS, ON: ÌýNorthern College is pleased to announce it is working in partnership with both Niagara College and Cambrian College to support capacity building in the education and training sector in Mongolia.

The consortium, led by Northern will support the Mongolian Ministry of Education (MOE), General Education Authority (GEA) and polytechnic institutions to develop and implement a national teacher training program for technical and vocational education and training in Mongolia.

“This is an important project for Northern College as we work to diversify our international portfolio of engagements and partnerships,” stated Dr. Ahmed Baghdady, Executive Director of Global Engagement at Northern.

The three-and-a-half year SkillShift-04 Mongolia project aims to improve capacity for the MOE, GEA and other Mongolian partners to design and implement a national, competency based, gender responsive and inclusive teacher training program which directly supports technical and vocational education and training.

“With funding from GAC, and support from CICan, Northern College will work diligently with Niagara College and Cambrian College to support our partners in Mongolia,” stated Dr. Baghdady. “Our goal is to assist in the creation of a strong, competency-based teacher training program that meets local needs and contributes meaningfully to reforms in the Mongolian education sector.”

SkillShift Mongolia began with an inception mission to the country in May, which included faculty and administrators from the three-college consortium, spending two weeks in Ulaanbaatar and Khovd to conduct a situational needs assessment.

Meeting with multiple partners to collect data, representatives from all three Ontario colleges worked to establish a baseline, understand the local context alongside the broader needs and aspirations for the project.

“Niagara College is pleased to be working on the Skillshift-04 project and is happy to assist in teacher training with a focus on gender inclusivity and responsiveness,” stated Krasna Baotic, Professor in the School of Liberal Studies at Niagara College. “Our visit in May demonstrated the rich culture and dedication to education already present in Mongolia and we are looking forward to building this partnership”

Once the situational needs assessment is completed, the project team will work closely with Mongolian based partners to develop a national teacher training program which will feature competency based education and training, student centered and active learning strategies, inclusive pedagogy and universal design for learning (UDL), assessment design, classroom and learner management, digital tools for teaching and blended delivery and more.

“Being part of this consortium provides the opportunity for Cambrian to contribute to a meaningful global engagement initiative in SkillShift that delivers real impact empowering TVET teachers, strengthening institutional collaboration, and supporting sustainable skills development in Mongolia.” stated Imad Al-Sukkari, Director of International at Cambrian College.

The project team is slated to return to Mongolia later in 2026 to deliver the first training component and work alongside the MOE, GEA and polytechnic leaders to design the next phase of the project. As part of this project, representatives from partner institutions in Mongolia will visit Northern College, Niagara College and Cambrian College campuses in 2027 for observations, meetings and further training.

Northern College, alongside Niagara College and Cambrian College are proud to play a role in representing the quality, adaptability and collaborative nature of the Canadian educational system abroad.

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Northern College Celebrates the Class of 2026 /news-and-updates/northern-college-celebrates-the-class-of-2026/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:41:12 +0000 /?p=67731 Northern College is pleased to announce the successful completion of the 2026 convocation season at all four of its campuses.

The Class of 2026, comprising of 650 graduates, crossed the stage at Northern’s Timmins, Kirkland Lake, Haileybury and Moosonee Campuses, marking the 59th Northern College graduating class.

“It is always a pleasure to experience this achievement alongside our graduates,” stated Mitch Dumas, President & CEO at Northern. “It’s the culmination of so much hard work, dedication and focus for each of our students; for us, it marks the realization of our core mandate, to graduate capable, work ready professionals, eager to make their impact on the world.”

Every year, each Ontario college issue the Governor General’s Award to the student with the highest-grade point average across the entire institution for that academic year. In 2026, the award was issued to Lonnie Bouvier, who maintained a 96.456 GPA as she completed her Social Service Worker Diploma.

Each campus celebrated their graduates with their own unique flair, across five ceremonies and three weeks, providing newly minted grads with the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments.

As part of the convocation experience, Northern College and its Foundation issued 211 awards to the Class of 2026, representing a $197,425 investment made possible by generous contributions from donors.

“We truly believe in providing many of our grads with solid financial footing as they embark on their careers, rewarding their focus, work ethic and achievement,” stated External Relations Officer Nicole Gingras. “None of this would be possible without the generous and consistent support of our donors, who share that same dedication to student support, success and achievement.”

Hundreds of donor’s support Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards at Northern College throughout the academic year, providing funds through various avenues and for a variety of reasons, consistent in their commitment to ensuring the success of Northern students and graduates.

“If I can give back to the people in need in the north, where I came from and where I was given a shot to move on then I will,” stated generous SBA donor, endowment creator and Northern College graduate, Tim Verrier.

A native of Matachewan, Verrier was amongst the first graduates of Northern College, initially enrolling in the Northern Ontario Institute of Technology (NOIT) in Kirkland Lake in 1964. Pursuing a successful career as a Mechanical Engineering Technician, Verrier founded Veronics Instruments, a company specializing in the development of process instrumentation equipment for the nuclear, petrochemical and semi-conductor industries. A successful engineer and entrepreneur, Verrier never forgot his roots, or his alma mater, donating proudly and generously to an endowment which will support Northern students for years to come.

“I hope that I can improve the lives of others the way that mine was, you just don’t know what you can achieve until it’s in front of you,” stated Verrier.Ìý “You have to seize that moment and give it the best kick you can, and if I can support that kick for someone, I am proud to do so.”

Northern College congratulates the class of 2026 on their achievement, wishing them all the best as they pursue their careers and play a role in the ongoing socio-economic vitality of the northeast region and beyond.

“As our grads head out into the workforce or pursue further education, it brings us such pride to know that for so many of them, they are doing so with the support of those alumni who came before them,” stated Gingras. “Moments like these – stories like these – are what makes Northern College a truly unique place to learn and grow.”

 

Northern College President & CEO, Mitch Dumas alongside Board of Governor’s Chair, Kraymr Grenke pose with Lonnie Bouvier, Northern College’s Governor General Award Winner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern College President & CEO, Mitch Dumas alongside Board of Governor’s Chair, Kraymr Grenke pose with Lonnie Bouvier, Northern College’s Governor General Award Winner. The award is issued each year to the graduating student with the highest GPA, Bouvier maintained a 96.456 GPA during her Social Service Worker studies.

 

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Northern College Revitalizes the Haileybury School of Mines /news-and-updates/northern-college-revitalizes-the-haileybury-school-of-mines/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:18:38 +0000 /?p=67624  

Haileybury School of Mines Logo

 

Northern College is proud to announce the revitalization of the Haileybury School of Mines.

Founded in 1912, the Haileybury School of Mines (HSM) is a world-renowned mining school, with a reputation for producing highly skilled, professionally competent mining experts who have gone on to shape the mining industry both at home and around the globe.

“HSM was a pioneer in defining experiential, vocational learning in Ontario,” stated Mitch Dumas, President & CEO at Northern. “HSM and its approach to education helped shape modern, educational training in Ontario and has served as a foundation for every other program we’ve developed at Northern.”

“Inspired by HSM, we have always prioritized practical, skills focused training which prepares our students for graduation, and ensures they not only succeed in their careers, but play a role in shaping the industries they join,” added Dumas.

Folded into Northern College in the 1960s, HSM looked to industry throughout its history to shape curriculum and ensure that all educational offerings reflected the latest in technology and techniques, lending to its considerable reputation as a world class mining school.

“Sometimes the path forward lies in reflecting on the past,” stated Jamie Johnston, Dean of Trades and Technology at Northern. “In revitalizing HSM, we have looked to our industry partners, to mining professionals to shape this new curriculum, from educational priorities to class curriculum, all specifically designed to provide our students with exactly what they need to excel in the mining industry.”

Doing so meant a change in approach, allowing industry to play a significant role in leading and shaping program priorities, while the Institution focused on defining those needs within existing academic structures.

“We call this industry defined learning,” stated Johnston. “Our goal with the revitalized Mining Engineering Technician program is to promote cross-disciplinary thinking, to shift the approach from passive knowledge acquisition to a focus on active capability and emphasizes experiential learning.”

Building on over a century of experience, this re-designed program incorporates new emphasis on decision-making under real conditions: from geology, ground control and ventilation, to safety, systems-based planning and technology enabled operations.

“Essentially, what we’ve done is shift this program and its priorities from ‘learning about mining’ to ‘practicing how mining is done,’ stated Dean Lessard, Vice President Academic at Northern. “We’ve worked to develop a program which prepares graduates for career longevity, not just securing an entry level position, to provide them with the skills they need to position themselves as future leaders.”

By integrating technical knowledge, safety leadership, environmental responsibility, and applied decision‑making, the new program aligns education with how modern mining operates, preparing the next generation of learners to be adaptable, job‑ready, and equipped for long‑term success.

Northern College and the Haileybury School of Mines extend their sincere thanks to all the industry partners, alumni members and mining professionals who have played a critical role in the revitalization of the Mining Engineering Technician program and the Haileybury School of Mines.

The Mining Engineering Technician program launches in September of 2026.

 

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Northern College Sports Dome to Open Early 2027 /news-and-updates/northern-college-sports-dome-to-open-early-2027/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:01:02 +0000 /?p=66823 Construction of the 130,000 square foot facility began with a ceremonial groundbreaking in late March, with site preparation currently in full swing. The facility is slated for completion in December of 2026, with a grand opening planned for early 2027.

“From inception to completion, this transformative community project will have taken a little over two years to make a reality,” stated Mitch Dumas, Northern College President & CEO. “This incredible turn-around would not have been possible without the support of our Provincial and Municipal Governments, community and industry partners.”

“The Dome is the first sports facility constructed in Timmins since the Whitney Arena in 1982 and places no additional tax burden on Timmins residents due to how we’ve funded its construction and operations,” added Dumas.

The 20-million-dollar Sports Dome is partially funded through Northern’s capital reserve fund – financial resources restricted for the development of capital infrastructure acquisition, construction, renovation – and the remaining portion through the generous support of the Provincial Municipal Government, community and industry partners.

The Institution is still actively seeking opportunities for sponsorship, collaboration and support to contribute to programming, activities and facility costs to support the long-term success of the facility

The Sports Dome is designed to not only enhance student health and wellness, sports and recreation, and learning opportunities, but also serve as a vital community hub for fitness, recreational, business activities and more. The College estimates that net new revenue streams may exceed $750,000 once the facility is fully operational.

“The creation of this unique facility in our region arrives at a critical point for the College,” stated Evan Sonkin, Senior Vice President, Corporate Services at Northern. “Northern College, like others in the postsecondary sector, is facing significant reductions in revenue due to declining international enrolment. This Sports Dome, and the revenue it will bring to the College, is an ideal template for alternative revenue generation in the College’s current economic climate: It’s an initiative that supports the students, staff and communities we serve while simultaneously boosting revenue.”

Designed to be a community sports hub, the facility will accommodate numerous court layouts and sport types, allowing year-round access for individuals, community clubs, sports associations, teams and athletic camps, all while providing fitness facilities with membership access and programming.

“This will be a Northern College building. Its programming and facilities will be tailored to meet the needs of our students, our staff, and our broader local communities,” stated Sonkin. “In keeping the spirit of collaboration that has made this facility a reality, it is our hope that the programming available to the public will also be a collaborative effort, to the benefit of all who call Timmins and the surrounding region home.”

Northern College will continue to provide updates on the construction progress along with information on programming, pricing and scheduling as the facility approaches completion.

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Northern College breaks ground on Timmins Campus Sports Dome /news-and-updates/northern-college-breaks-ground-on-timmins-campus-sports-dome/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:30:21 +0000 /?p=66774 Northern College is pleased to announce the start of construction on its Timmins Campus Sports Dome with a ceremonial groundbreaking.

Made possible with community, industry and provincial support,Ìýthe 130,000 square-foot multi-use dome will be the first sports facility constructed in the City of Timmins since 1982. Thanks to its adaptable layout, the facility will accommodate space for numerous court layouts, providing a centralized hub for sports and fitness in the region.

Breaking ground on Timmins Campus Sports Dome

“This unique facility fulfills a number of priorities for Northern,” stated Mitch Dumas, President & CEO at Northern. “It provides a place for our youth to gather productively, the kind of facility that fosters social growth, while allowing space for local clubs, teams and organizations, and in doing so, raising the profile of our institution and our community as a destination for employment and opportunity.”

The construction of the sports dome facility is representative of Northern’s renewed focus on local needs, regional growth and future focused investment.

“We know that our role as a regional partner is to help foster the kind of communities that people want to visit, to study in, and to build a life for themselves,” added Dumas.

The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of the site preparation process, with construction set to begin in the coming weeks.

“The groundbreaking of Northern College’s new sports dome shows what can be accomplished when partners come together,” stated George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Through a $2 million investment from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, our government is supporting active lifestyles, helping students succeed, attracting new opportunities andÌýpositioningÌýTimmins for long-term success.”

Northern is proud to play a role in the broader efforts to revitalize the local and regional economy, both as a community partner and a cornerstone post-secondary presence in the region.

“Recruitment and retention are a priority area for Northern and for our region as a whole,” stated Jaret Dicks, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications and External Relations at Northern. “Large scale development is coming, the importance of our natural resources is in the spotlight and Northern is proud to play its role in building the kind of infrastructure that helps draw people to our communities, train them and help support development and growth.”

Northern College expects the facility to be fully open and operational in late 2026 or early 2027, with more details on programming, rental opportunities and rates made available to the public as the project approaches completion.

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