Ontario Construction News staff writer
Conestoga College is building a new campus in downtown Guelph. The project, announced at a press conference, is expected to open in September 2025.
“I am thrilled that Conestoga College is choosing to build a new campus and expand in Guelph,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “Colleges and trades are vital to economic development and community vibrancy.
“For Guelph to land an institution like Conestoga College is an incredible feat. This will reinvigorate our downtown economy, create jobs, and bring students to enjoy our shops, restaurants, and arts and culture venues.”
The downtown campus, being acquired from Skyline Apartment REIT, will augment Conestoga’s existing Guelph campus at 460 Speedvale Ave. W. Operated by the college since 1970, the Speedvale campus delivers education and training for the automotive power trades as well as business programs, academic upgrading, and career-focused programs.
Also, the college delivers local training for Personal Support Workers at the Village of Riverside Glen in Guelph in collaboration with Schlegel Villages.
The college will be investing $90 million into the new facility with no additional funding from the provincial or federal governments.
“We have been trying to do this for 30 years but couldn’t get investments so we had to do this ourselves,” said Conestoga president John Tibbits. “The downtown location provides outstanding access to amenities, services, and transit options that will support a high-quality learning and working experience for students and employees.
“We look forward to working with our community and industry partners as we expand our capacity to serve the needs of Guelph-area residents, businesses and employers through the development of highly skilled workers to meet current and emerging workforce demands.”
Established in 1967, Conestoga now serves approximately 30,000 students through campuses and training centres in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Ingersoll and Brantford and is a provincial leader in apprenticeship training.