Lakehead University Expands STEM Hub to Downtown Barrie

A significant educational development is underway in Barrie, Ontario, as Lakehead University prepares to expand its presence with a new location for its Barrie STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Hub. This additional facility at 5 Ross Street is set to open in fall 2024 and will complement the existing hub located at 24 Maple Avenue.

The new Ross Street site will provide post-secondary and graduate students with a high-tech, hands-on learning environment tailored for engineering and computer science disciplines. Designed to support in-demand careers, the Barrie STEM Hub will feature flexible classrooms, active learning spaces, student services, and social areas, along with dedicated offices for graduate students.

The existing Maple Avenue location offers specialized research and teaching laboratories, including advanced facilities for motors, robotics, instrumentation, and mechatronics. Together, both locations will encompass a total of 27,000 square feet dedicated to fostering innovation and learning.

Barrie stands out as one of the fast-growing municipalities within the Greater Golden Horseshoe region, which stretches from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay, yet lacks a university campus until now. Mayor Alex Nuttall hailed the addition of the STEM Hub, calling it a “major win for Barrie.” He emphasized that the new facility will invigorate the downtown area and enhance the educational experience for students, saying, “It’s an investment in our students, our businesses, and the future of our city.”

In addition to Lakehead University, Georgian College has also established a presence in downtown Barrie at 55 Mulcaster Street, focusing on creative programming in design, visual arts, and emerging technologies. According to Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University, this expansion will create new pathways for local learners and talent pipelines for employers, contributing to a more resilient regional economy.

Students interested in applying to the Barrie STEM Hub can find more information on the Lakehead University website. The establishment of these educational facilities not only benefits students but also positions Barrie as a growing hub for innovation and research in the region.