Last week, the Executive Leadership Team at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology approved plans for a temporary building relocation during the upcoming three-year renovation and expansion of the W.J. Elliott Building, scheduled to begin in summer 2025. This means all classes, labs and workstations that are currently in the W.J. Elliott building will be temporarily relocated to either the Industry Training Centre on campus or one of the six bays at the Netook Crossing Business Park. The only exceptions will be classes scheduled in Lab B and Lab C, which will remain available throughout construction. There will be no impact on any other buildings on campus.
We hope to secure all the bays at Netook Crossing Business Park early in the new year to allow time for a smooth transition. The majority of relocation efforts will commence on May 1, 2025 and are expected to be completed in time for classes starting August 2025. We recognize that these transitions may present short-term challenges; however, these necessary adjustments are paving the way for long-term improvements that will greatly benefit students for years to come.
Olds College is excited to embark on this journey to enhance the educational experience for future skilled trades professionals. Earlier this year, the Government of Alberta announced $63 million in capital funding for this significant project, aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled trades education in Alberta.
As we progress through this transformative journey, we are committed to keeping our staff and students informed. A frequently asked questions (FAQ) document is available for more details and additional updates will be provided as needed.
This investment reflects the College’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities that foster innovation, collaboration and hands-on learning. By enhancing our facilities, we are ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their future careers.