Geographic Innovation Centre Opens at NSCC Annapolis Valley Campus

Premier Iain Rankin joined Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) President Don Bureaux today, July 6, to unveil the $9 million addition of a Residence and Innovation Centre at the Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS) in the Annapolis Valley.

“NSCC continues to make smart investments that will prepare Nova Scotians for the workforce and provide an innovative space to solve complex challenges,” said Premier Rankin. “This addition will attract students, experts and researchers to the internationally recognized Centre of Geographic Sciences and to our province, where we hope they will continue to choose to study, live, work and stay.”

The new three-floor, 27,000-square-foot addition at COGS includes a 40-bed residence and innovation centre, which will provide a modern, innovation-focused venue for more geomatics and geospatial industry conferences. These conferences will create economic spin-offs in Annapolis County and enhance Nova Scotia’s global reputation in the field of geomatics.

Earlier this year, the province invested $16.8 million in four Nova Scotia universities to expand their computer science programs.

The funding to Dalhousie University, Acadia University, Saint Mary’s University and St. Francis Xavier University supports the government’s commitment to develop digital skills in Nova Scotia’s workforce.

Quotes:

“This new resource will allow students greater accessibility to our Annapolis Valley Campus – COGS site through both a residence and an innovation hub. It also opens up a new space in which to share ideas, explore employment opportunities and gather together to network and grow individually and professionally.”

– Don Bureaux, president, NSCC

Quick Facts:

• the new $9 million COGS Residence and Innovation Centre will open to students in September 2021
• geomatics is a branch of science that deals with the collection, analysis and interpretation of geographical data including the natural environment such as terrain or wildlife, population and human patterns. The centre will facilitate new project-based learning, applied research and an incubation hub for entrepreneurs
• constructed to LEED standards, the building is highly energy efficient with best sustainability practices in both design and construction
• the new COGS addition is also barrier free and constructed to high accessibility standards. Two electric charging stations are also available at the new residence, adding to the growing network of stations across NSCC campuses