Boasting some of most cutting-edge training technology in country, the Algoma Central Corporation Marine Emergency Duties (MED) Training Centre at Georgian College has officially been declared open.
School officials, political representatives and the college community gathered on Thursday at Georgian’s Owen Sound campus where a ceremonial bottle was smashed on the side of the building and a ribbon was cut in celebration.
The $7.5-million 13,600-square-foot training facility was considered by many to be a necessity after the divestiture of the Port Colborne MED Centre in 2013.
Marine Emergency Duties Training is mandatory basic safety and survival training for anyone who works on-board a commercial shipping vessel in Canada.
Courses include firefighting, survival craft, life raft and immersion suit training.
#OwenSound #NavyLeague Cadets welcome visitors to the Grand opening of #GeorgianCollege Marine Emergency Duties Training Centre pic.twitter.com/WUNNbdgCbb
— Claire McCormack (@clairemccorm) October 6, 2016
Grey County Council was the first to pledge financial support, in the amount of $2-million, recognizing the economic importance to the region.
The federal government provided $1.96-million through the Small Communities Fund for the project, and the province contributed $1.96-million.
Several marine industry leaders, who will train their work force at the centre made substantial donations.
The centre is named for Algoma Central Corporation, making the largest private donation of $1-million.
The common area in the centre is named in recognition of Lower Lakes Towing LTD., which donated $500,000.
