A combined $8 million in donations, including the largest single donation in the history of Red Deer College, was announced at a special event at the college on Friday.
Local philanthropist Gary Harris donated $5 million and in recognition of his generosity, the new centre will be named The Gary W. Harris Centre for Health, Wellness & Sport.
“When I became aware of the wide-ranging impact of this facility, and what it means for the future of our college and the citizens of Red Deer and Central Alberta, I wanted to do my part in making it a reality,” said Harris. “It’s very encouraging to see the direction that we are headed in this community, and I am excited to see it all unfold.”
Ground breaking on the estimated $88-million facility is slated for later this fall. Major construction is expected to begin in early 2016 and the facility is expected to be completed in the fall of 2018, a year before the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer.
The college also recognized the $1-million donation from Lacombe County and $500,000 from Red Deer County. A $1.5-million investment from Hockey Alberta was also announced. The new facility will be Hockey Alberta’s new provincial training centre and head office, and will be used for enhanced branding, programming and events.
Shelley Ralston, RDC board of governors chair, said the generosity the college has experienced from supporters such as Harris “brings us that much closer to our vision in serving our learners.”
“Being the beneficiary of Mr. Harris’s trust and philanthropy not only makes us very grateful but truly honoured,” she said. “Mr. Harris’s longstanding personal involvement in community building, coupled with his success as a business owner and entrepreneur will be reflected in this legacy. We are very excited for what this means for our future and the learners and communities we serve.”
The new centre will strengthen RDC’s case for polytechnic university status, which would allow the institution to grant its own degrees. The facility will also play a key role in ensuring renowned programs within RDC’s School of Health Sciences maintain certain accreditations and standards, and ensure that students are provided the up-to-date tools and resources they need for their training.
“It’s a privilege to live in a region where so many understand the value of RDC and what our college contributes to economic, social and cultural growth in central Alberta,” said Joel Ward, CEO and RDC president. “It is with this generous support, investing in amazing new facilities and toward student success, that we will continue to make a tremendous impact in the prosperity and well-being of our region.”
RDC is an official venue partner for the 2019 Canada Winter Games. It will host the athletes village and provide the venues for squash and short-track speedskating competitions.
Over the next four years, the college will look to raise $25 million more to fully fund the new centre.