Front Lines

FRONTLINES St. Clair College Grows Again

St. Clair College is building up a new Zekelman Centre of Business and Information Technology at the school’s Windsor campus situated at 2000 Talbot Road West.

The College has unveiled a unique design that will see the erection of two floors for an additional 40,000 square feet of space to the southwest wing of the campus.

The $23 million expansion will feature classrooms, student study areas, meeting rooms and offices for faculty. A large auditorium (Alumni Hall) and Canada’s first Esports Arena will be the centrepieces of the new build. Expected completion date is winter 2022.

President Patti France described the project as one that distinguishes St. Clair among other

Even after being closed for two months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thrift on Mill store in Leamington has emerged as strong as ever, despite a reduced volunteer force.

Before the pandemic struck, the store had more than 170 volunteers, but is now operating with less than half that number because of social distancing protocols and the fact that many volunteers are elderly and have health concerns.

“We are proud of what we have been able to achieve and the protocols we have put in place have made this store a safe place to work, shop and volunteer,” says General Manager Cindy Epp. “But, it has been difficult and I am extremely proud of all our volunteers and staff for working together.”

The store now has fewer display racks to help with social distancing, one of the entrances has been closed to make it easier to control the number of shoppers in the store, plexiglass screens have been installed at cash registers and all employees and

post-secondary institutions of its size: “This Centre will give our students the resources to study in a space that provides them with vast opportunities to learn and grow.”

The project received provincial approval last year. Funding for the Centre will come from the College, student fees administered by the Student Representative Council, the school’s Alumni Association, and the Zekelman family, for whom the school is named.

“We are thrilled to finally break ground and commence the construction of what will be the area’s predominant school of business,” says Barry Zekelman, Chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries, North America’s largest volunteers have been issued masks, as well as eye protection goggles or safety glasses.

“We have gone above and beyond to make sure everyone feels as safe as possible,” Epp notes.

When the store re-opened on May 26 after the mandatory shutdowns, Epp informs Biz X there was a deluge of donations and 50 volunteers were called back to deal with the mountain of items.

Neil Quiring, Owner of Gore Hill Self Storage (1126 Mersea Road 1 Leamington; GoreHillSelfStorage.com), donated the use of two storage units to give volunteers ample time to work their way through all the clothing and household items donated by the community.

“Sadly, this pandemic and its aftermath has ended the career of many of our longtime volunteers,” says Epp. “Many have been with us for decades and to see it all end without a proper goodbye is very sad.”

A great many volunteers used the services provided by both the store and

Barry Zekelman, Chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries is pictured at the podium during the September 16, “Raise the Roof” press conference. Photo courtesy of St. Clair College.

independent steel tube manufacturer. “The Zekelman School of Business and Information Technology will provide a platform for future entrepreneurs to launch their careers and pursue their dreams. We are proud to have our name associated with such a great community institution.”

The Zekelmans have created jobs and economic growth as well as supported countless charities and causes in Windsor and Essex County, through the Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Foundation.

College President France adds: “We are honoured to have the support of the Zekelman family. The business acumen Barry Zekelman brings to the table is immeasurable and our students are fortunate to be able to attend an institution that continues to raise the bar in

Survival Of The Thriftiest During The Pandemic

post-secondary education.” the Mennonite Central Committee of Ontario (MCC) when they were first establishing a life in the community.

“I’m still so very proud of what we are doing and it’s a gift to be a part of it,” comments Epp. “It certainly takes a village and we are part of a very giving community.”

This year is the MCC’s 100th anniversary and it was supposed to be marked by major celebrations, but obviously all that has been put on hold because of the pandemic.

Located at 58 Mill Street West since February 2016, the store originally opened as the Et Cetera Shoppe in 1982 and is part of the MCC Ontario network of thrift stores.

In Ontario, the committee works in the areas of refugee resettlement, people in poverty, indigenous and Low German communities, as well as restorative justice.

From its Kitchener headquarters, the committee ships material aid, health and relief kits to countries such as Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

Learn more on: ThriftOnMill.ca.