Durham College (DC) is pleased to announce that TD Bank Group (TD) is contributing $100,000 to support the construction of its new Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE).

As a leader in environmental practices and with a strong commitment to Indigenous Peoples and communities, TD is supporting the college’s CFCE and its contribution to those values. The donation will be directed towards a Centre for Indigenous Peoples and green construction elements that will be incorporated throughout the building.

“On behalf of everyone at Durham College, I would like to offer sincere thanks to TD for its investment in our amazing new learning space that will be home to our Centre for Indigenous Peoples and advance our ongoing efforts in sustainability,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “This investment not only supports DC’s 21st-century approach to learning, but also our vision for the CFCE to act as an educational hub of excellence. It is a notable endorsement from a well-respected Canadian organization that shares the college’s values of inclusion and social responsibility.”

The new building will include a larger and more natural space for Indigenous students, employees and community members that will accommodate traditional practices such as smudging and provide increased access to modern learning. The green construction elements will include the unique TD Green Roof, a living wall, solar panels and low-light fixtures, and the contracting company will utilize regional materials, ensure onsite waste management and use materials that optimize safe building practices. 

The CFCE is a multi-level, 75,000-square-foot facility and legacy project tied to the college’s 50th anniversary in 2017. Scheduled to open in 2018, it will act as an educational access point for students, community groups, both local and worldwide, Indigenous Peoples and key business sectors, while maintaining a commitment to environmental stewardship.

“We are proud to partner with Durham College and contribute to a shared vision in advancing environmental stewardship and supporting Indigenous Peoples,” said Cory Kaiser, DVP Commercial Banking, TD Canada Trust. “Support for Indigenous Peoples and communities is a top priority at TD as is the effort to integrate environmental responsibility into every aspect of our business. We are committed to enhancing the progress we have made in both areas and are happy to support an institution, such as Durham College, that is also working to achieve that goal.”

In addition to the Centre for Indigenous Peoples, the CFCE will also house the School-College-Work Initiative and the affiliated Centre for Success program, and the Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions. It will offer spaces for innovation and collaboration and provide open learning and social spaces for students, faculty and the community.