Georgian College has secured millions of dollars from the City of Barrie to build a new innovation centre.
City council unanimously approved the commitment of $5 million on Monday night to assist the college in building a new 60,000 sq.ft. facility.
The college wants to build the facility between the college residence and the automotive building. It would include research space, labs, and multi-use classrooms for 800 new students.
"This is about growing our tech sector. Our companies have been asking for this," says Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman.
The money will be provided over four years, but it comes with a catch. The college will have to move some of its fine arts programs into a space somewhere in the city's downtown core.
The County of Simcoe has also committed $5 million and the college is applying for federal funding to cover almost half of the $30 million price tag.
