Laurentian’s $45-million architecture school opens

SUDBURY, ONT. — Laurentian University celebrated the official opening of its new $45-million school of architecture Jan. 19 as Ontario Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development Deb Matthews joined local dignitaries at a launch event.

The 72,000-square-foot McEwen School of Architecture, said to be the first of its kind to open in Canada in 45 years, is located in Sudbury’s downtown core. The school welcomed its charter class in September 2013 and this class will graduate in June.

Ontario contributed nearly $27 million to build the new facility: $21 million from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development and $5.74 million from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. The school has a capacity for 400 French and English architecture students.

The build includes a new double-winged building plus two century-old repurposed Canadian Pacific rail and telegraph buildings.

"Today’s grand opening of the McEwen School of Architecture at Laurentian University is an important milestone for the university, for Sudbury and for every student looking to become an architect," said Sudbury MPP and Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault in a media statement. "By meeting demand for more places for architecture students to learn, Laurentian continues to evolve as an important hub for Northern Ontario.

"Located in downtown Sudbury, the school will also help revitalize downtown Sudbury. This is a sure-fire win for students, the local community and Ontario’s economy."