Lakeland College’s newest facility prepared for growth

A new chapter of innovation will soon begin at Lakeland College as construction progresses on the WHT Mead Building.

Thanks to the Government of Alberta’s $17.3-million investment announced in 2020, the transformed facility is on track to officially open at Lakeland’s Vermilion campus this fall. The WHT Mead Building is the academic hub for almost all of Lakeland’s 550-plus agricultural sciences students. Over the past 12 years, enrolment in agricultural sciences programs has increased by more than 200 per cent.

“Lakeland is at the forefront of agricultural education in Alberta and deeply rooted in the commercial agriculture industry. We put our students in real-world scenarios, challenging them to think critically and learn through tangible experiences,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “Our thanks to the Government of Alberta for investing in this important project. It ensures we can accommodate our new programming and increase student access as we prepare the next generation of agriculture leaders.”

Three new programs were introduced this academic year, including Canada’s first bachelor of agriculture technology degree. This fall, agribusiness expands to five specialties: agri-food and tourism, finance, marketing, production, and sustainability.

Built in 1964, the rejuvenated WHT Mead Building will feature classrooms, collaboration spaces, and faculty offices. Technology will be infused throughout the building for in-person and virtual learning. It will house the Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland headquarters, which is a planning space for animal science technology and crop technology students who manage Lakeland’s crop, livestock and research units.

In addition to agricultural sciences students, hundreds of environmental sciences and human services students will use the facility. Continuing education courses, community meetings, and industry-hosted events will also be held in WHT Mead Building.

"This remarkable facility will be a dynamic hub for technology, collaboration, student-managed projects and more,” says Wainwright-Stewart.

Designed to today’s energy modelling codes and requirements, the 35,214 ft2 WHT Mead Building is being modernized and expanded to accommodate future enrolment growth.

“Providing the best possible programming, partnerships and career opportunities for students requires the right spaces and places, which is why capital projects like this are a priority,” says Georgina Altman, Lakeland’s vice president of external relations and infrastructure. “This facility will help Lakeland to continue maximizing enrolment opportunities and prepare students to graduate job-ready, creating a more profitable future for our region and province.”

Continued growth and revitalization

Over the past six years, Lakeland has revitalized and expanded its Vermilion campus infrastructure with the support of donors, government and funding partners:

• 2016-17: Lakeland opened the modernized G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility, which features state-of-the-art technology for livestock research and development.
• 2017: The college’s 46,600 sq. ft. Dairy Learning Centre opened. It features a robotic and traditional milk parlour, a robotic feeder, among other new technologies.
• 2018: The new Animal Health Clinic opened, reflecting an operational veterinary clinic with state-of-the-art technology and allowing Lakeland to double enrolment in two programs.
• 2019: The Trades Centre exterior and roofing repair project was completed.
• 2019: Generous donor support enabled Lakeland to expand the campus farm with 309 acres of quality cropland.
• 2019-20: Phase 1 of the Vermilion Campus Revitalization plan was completed with renovations done in Alumni Hall’s Student Services and Learning Commons Information Technology areas, as well as Academic Link student labs.
• 2020: A historic gift allows Lakeland to further expand the campus farm and establish a bison herd.
• 2021: Lakeland officially opened the Agriculture Technology Centre, which is home to Canada’s first degree in agriculture technology.

The WHT Mead Building will be open for the start of the 2022-23 academic year.

Photos: Top - A 3D render of the WHT Mead Building. Middle - Demolition of the WHT Mead Building in 2021. Bottom - WHT Mead Building construction site in January 2022.