NSCC looks to open residence at Port Hawkesbury campus

The Nova Scotia Community College has started the search for a developer to build and operate a student residence with up to 70 rooms at its Strait Area Campus.

NSCC vice-president Monica Foster says this is a one-off project and a response to a unique situation at the campus.

"At Port Hawkesbury there are very limited accommodations for our students, and our students tend to come from a much larger catchment area all the way through Cape Breton and the Antigonish area," says Foster.

The campus also includes the Nautical Institute, which trains people who are already working at sea. Those students travel to the campus for short periods of time. NSCC is looking for at least 12 rooms to be set aside for marine students.

"We have the marine program and hotels are not readily available. We really think we could boost our marine training if we had some kind of residence in Port Hawkesbury," she said.

70 rooms will fit needs

NSCC has been looking at the idea for years. At one time it considered a residence of 130 rooms. Foster says a 50 to 70-room facility will fit needs.

She said if the community college built it, the facility would cost between $5 million to $6 million, but NSCC does not want any risk.

"We're working with people who would provide a service to our students. We are not wanting to be at risk or liability," she said.

Feasibility study tender

This week NSCC issued a tender for a feasibility study for the project. It hopes to have a residence opened sometime in 2018, although its tender makes clear this is for information at this point.

"The eventual Project would consist of the design, construction, financing, ownership, and post construction operations of a New Student Residence," the tender states.

"A successful Provider would be totally responsible for safety and security of the students while in or on the residence property."

There will be no cafeteria at the residence.

Among the so-called value-added amenities are vending machines, wireless network, ATM, recreation fitness area and an entertainment/gaming room.