Northlands College is building a new shop in Air Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

enhancements

Northlands breaks ground on new shop, unveils modernized nursing lab

Sep 26, 2024 | 1:07 PM

It was a busy day for Northlands College on Wednesday as they performed a sod turning ceremony for a new shop, as well as unveiled a new modernized nursing lab.

The new shop, which has the primary purpose of supporting college operations, will be built at the River Campus in Air Ronge. Construction on the project will begin this fall with completion set for the fall of 2025.

The cost to build the new shop is $600,000 with funding coming from the provincial government.

“The square footage is under final negotiation right now,” Northlands President and CEO Karsten Henriksen said.

“What we are trying to do with the facility shop is in addition to using it as a primary hub for the college’s facilities, we’re also trying to leverage the resources we have to increase instructional space as well.”

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The new shop will feature a tipi arch at the entrance backlit with energy-efficient LED lighting. The unique architectural element is meant to celebrate Indigenous heritage and the building’s sustainable design.

A rendering of the new shop. (Submitted image/Northlands College)

Designed for efficiency, the high bay storage area will optimize inventory control and provide easy access to essential equipment and materials to ensure streamlined operations across Northlands College.

Henriksen is calling the new nursing lab a significant growth in terms of capacity. He explained the lab was formerly located in a leased space off campus and the new lab, located at the River Campus, will enhance the experience of students.

“We began preliminary planning for the nursing lab transformation approximately a year ago,” Henriksen added.

“This summer we were able to commence work when classes ended on the new nursing lab. What is so unique about the new nursing lab is it really allowed us to begin building upon the tremendous legacy of nursing education that we’ve supported across Northern Saskatchewan.”

About a dozen people were in attendance for the unveiling of the new nursing lab. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

One of several stations in the new nursing lab. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The new lab contains modern equipment and includes new features such as simulated oxygen and bedside suction. It also includes new information technologies with audio and visual capabilities that will allow for incorporating augmented virtual reality.

“The college offers … the Continuing Care Assistant Program (CCA), which is critically important for communities across Northern Saskatchewan, particularly in context of the new long-term care facility that is being constructed. The Province of Saskatchewan has done tremendous work in funding additional seats for the CCA program,” Henriksen said,

“In addition to the CCA program, we offer the Indigenous Practical Nursing Program, as well as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan. In terms of health education, there’s a lot … happening in Northern Saskatchewan and we look forward to expanding through this new nursing lab the types of courses and classes we offer.”

Northlands College is celebrating Cultural Days this week and representatives will be in Pelican Narrows on Thursday and Creighton on Friday. Henriksen mentioned the public can expect another important announcement during his stop in Creighton.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com