A location has been chosen for the Dennis Franklin Cromarty Student Living Centre.
The 150-room facility will be built on the Confederation College campus on the corner of Edward and William Streets.
A location and architectural plans were released Wednesday at DFC High School and principal Jonathan Kakegamic said it’s a relief to be moving forward on the project.
“Every parent, their concern and wish is the safety of their kids and with our school it’s paramount because of the losses we had and I am really grateful for today,” he said.
In the last decade, seven DFC students have died while attending high school in Thunder Bay.
The purpose of the living centre is to give the students travelling from remote communities a supportive and nurturing environment.
“The students will be looked after and cared for and we’ll have more access to them rather than just between 9 (a.m.) and 4 (p.m.),” Kakegamic said, adding he’s excited for the potential of the project.
Not only will the centre improve safety for the students, Kakegamic hopes it will also improve the school’s graduation rate.
“In every home in Canada there’s parents that get involved with their kids at home with school (work). We’ll be able to do that now with our staff. It’s awesome,” he said.
The college is leasing the land for the project for $1 a year for 21 years.
College president Jim Madder said it’s their contribution to a great project.
“It’ll support the success of students who are coming from northern communities and all of those students are our future students as well,” he said.
The Wasaya Group and Northern Nishnawbe Education Council are modelling the centre after a similar program in Winnipeg, Man.
NNEC chairman Chris Kakegamic said they’ll be able to promote culture and language and offer family support.
In addition to be able to house 150 students, the residence will also have 50 rooms for family and friends to visit.
“The exciting part of it is if there is a crisis or they’re struggling with whatever they face, this way the parents can come over and be with them through those crucial times,” said Chris Kakegamic.
The project is estimated to cost $15 million with a target opening date of 2015. Fundraising efforts are already underway and Wasaya and NNEC are working on some partnerships.
