Centennial's Progress Campus is undergoing ambitious renovation and expansion with two major construction projects. This is the first of many communications that will outline the construction activity and how it will affect Progress Campus users.

Our Library and Academic Facility will form the new front door of the college, situated in front of the pedestrian bridge to the Hub. Funded primarily by the Ontario and federal governments under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, the building will house a new library, 22 additional classrooms, a commons area with a bio-wall, a lecture theatre and additional office space. The Library and Academic Facility is expected to be completed in the summer of 2011.

Hoarding around the garden, bus loop and drop-off areas should be in place by Sept. 8. Buses will then have to loop in front of the construction site using a newly-built road. Wheel-Trans vehicles will continue to use the lower driveway. Parking lots will be realigned to accommodate the construction, affecting a minimal amount of parking.

The student-funded Athletic and Wellness Centre (AWC) will be a state-of-the-art facility featuring an enlarged gymnasium, squash courts, climbing wall, a Wellness Treatment Centre, cardio-fitness area, locker rooms and more. Slated to open in early 2011, a temporary road for construction vehicles is already taking shape at the east end of the campus.

Hoarding around the DEL Gym is in place, surrounding a good portion of nearby student parking areas. The college has reopened parking areas elsewhere on campus to maintain similar capacity, and overflow parking will be available across the street at the Residence and Conference Centre.

Parents dropping off children at the Child Care Centre will have to use the south service lane, which will become a two-way road.

During construction, heavy vehicles will be using our campus roads and driveways extensively. Please be patient while these large trucks negotiate our narrow lanes. Drive with care and pay attention to new signage. Some traffic directions and restrictions will change from time to time.

This is an exciting time in Centennial's history as we rejuvenate and grow our main campus in anticipation of future academic and community needs. For more details about our Progress Campus expansion, visit www.centennialcollege.ca/aboutus/transforming.