After the start of construction was delayed earlier this fall, Providence University College is now moving ahead with a new dorm facility.

Back in September, Providence, located in Otterburne, announced it was postponing the start of their new Living and Learning Centre due to a lack of resources. This all stems from Bergen Hall burning down in June of last year.

"It just made sense for us to reassess where we were at and the money we were spending on this building and the overall needs and just take a bit more time to do that," explains Marlin Reimer, Associate Vice-President of Student Life. However, he says now they are back on track with a new residence building.

Providence's original plan was to build a three-story, cross-shaped building with each of the four "pods", on the upper two floors, housing up to 16 students for a total of nearly 130 in the building, including staff. The main floor was set to be open community spaces for students to get together and would also include a kitchen, study rooms, prayer rooms, and a laundry room. This has since changed.

Reimer says they are still finalizing their plans but the latest design would have "a few less spaces for student living".

According to Reimer, the building will still have a similar look but the difference is that it will only house around 60 students.

Reimer says Three Way Builders is currently doing some prep work on the site with hopes of starting foundation work in December or January. Reimer adds they are targeting next September to have students in the building.

Rendering of the new Living and Learning Centre (Photo credit: Providence University College)