Fanshawe too big for its britches

Fanshawe College is looking to expand its Oxford County Campus to accommodate more students.

Located in the city of Woodstock, the Fanshawe campus has been in place for about 40 years. According to a press release from Fanshawe College, plans call for a first phase $14 million expansion of 65,000 square feet, with a second phase addition of 26,000 square feet.

Donna Derer, chair of Fanshawe’s Oxford County Campus, was adamant the current space for students was insufficient.

“We absolutely don’t have space for the students we currently have,” Derer said.

Fanshawe hopes to acquire $11 million from the federal government for the project.

“I think it’s a great idea. I’ve always thought it’s a good idea to keep our young kids in the city,” Connie Lauder, a Woodstock councillor, said. “Education is expensive and if kids can live at home and not spend money on living expenses, then that means they have more money for their schooling.”

Lauder added Woodstock promised Fanshawe funding as well as land valued at about $1.2 million. As mentioned in the press release, Fanshawe has already invested approximately $1 million to initiate the expansion.

Derer said the expansion will include 15 new classrooms, a refrigeration lab, a student resource centre and a nursing lab.

“The campus in Woodstock is very important to the economic development of our community. If a business or industry needs a new program or a special training initiative, we want to be sure we can respond quickly to ensure those needs are met,” Derer said in the press release.

The Woodstock campus will also be introducing a number of new programs including practical nursing, computer applications support, welding techniques and business foundations.

—Shreya Tekriwal