Providence is excited to have broken ground on a new residence and community life facility at the Otterburne, MB campus.
Set to open in September 2019, the Living & Learning Centre will promote a thriving, Christ-centred student community within a bright, inviting, home-like atmosphere. To be located west of Eichhorst Hall and directly south of the Reimer Student Life Centre, which houses the cafeteria, the modern, fully-accessible facility will accommodate approximately 60 students.
President Dr. David Johnson joined the Living & Learning Centre Task Force, as well as Providence students and administrators, for a photo shoot at the construction site on Wednesday, November 14.
“I am excited to have broken ground on this project,” Johnson said. “The Living & Learning Centre will support our five core values: Christ First, Academic Excellence, Exploration, Diversity of Thought and Community.”
A thoughtfully-designed residence building is critical in developing a fun and thriving Christ-centred learning community, pointed out Darcy Friesen, Community Life Coordinator.
“It’s a building designed for intentional community. Our campus Living & Learning program is focused on ensuring students are cared for and on providing spaces and people that are critical to student living and thriving,” said Friesen. “We are extremely excited for students to enjoy the new space.”
On the ground floor of the facility, below the residences, spaces such as a lounge, a seminar hub and a laundry room will encourage community living. “There will also be a large community kitchen that will allow students to make food together with their friends,” said Marlin Reimer, Associate Vice-President for Student Life and head of the Task Force.
Acknowledging that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom, Providence has purposed the Living & Learning Centre to be part of the holistic education experience provided at the institution.
“The Living & Learning Centre will facilitate a student development program that is unique in Manitoba,” explained Dr. Johnson. “It will help us achieve our mission by helping students grow in knowledge and character for leadership and service.”
Pico Architecture, Grant Design Group and Three Way Builders have been retained for the design and construction of the facility.
A new Providence residence became necessary after the Bergen Hall dormitory was destroyed by fire in June 2017. Shortly thereafter the Task Force was struck to guide the process for delivering a new, state-of-the-art facility. A combination of insurance money and the generous support of donors provided the funding for the Living & Learning Centre.
