TORONTO — Humber College recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (Barrett CTI).

The new 93,000-sq.-ft. world-class facility, located at Humber’s North Campus, builds on the college’s expertise in areas such as automation, robotics, system integration, user experience testing, applied research and work-integrated learning. Key features include interactive technology zones, digital-media studios, cutting-edge prototyping and maker spaces, open-concept gathering spaces and demonstration areas for new products and technologies.

The new facility contains no traditional classrooms, but is meant to offer a unique teaching and learning environment that bridges the gap between education and real-world experience. The centre provides a variety of education programs and disciplines under one roof, allowing all students to enhance their skills and creativity in their chosen field.

Barrett CTI was built with the help of a $10-million investment from The Barrett Family Foundation — the largest private donation in Humber’s history. The foundation’s commitment also supports student awards and scholarships and skills mentorship programs.

Additional funding was provided by the Government of Canada’s Post-Secondary Strategic Investment Fund ($15.5 million) and the Government of Ontario, which supported the purchase of key equipment through the College Equipment and Renewal Fund ($1.55 million).

Keeping with Humber’s commitment to sustainability, the Barrett CTI is targeting LEED-Platinum certification and will be a net-zero energy building. The building’s sustainability features — including passive cooling systems, high-performance roofing system and building envelope, hydronic in-floor heating and green roof — will function as teaching tools.

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