A new Douglas College location in downtown New Westminster is making it easier for Lower Mainland students to gain the knowledge and skills for success in fields like accounting and finance.

“The Douglas College Anvil Office Tower space will give students the experiences and knowledge needed to launch a bright career and help us build the best B.C.,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “Almost 80% of job openings in the next 10 years will require post-secondary education, and we expect over half a million openings in the mainland and southwest region of B.C. alone. This space increases access to post-secondary education and helps students get the quality education needed to graduate and thrive in our growing economy.” 

In early September 2018, students started moving into the Douglas College Anvil Office Tower location, benefiting from 6,317 square metres (68,000 square feet) of state-of-the-art learning and student spaces, including 21 classrooms on four floors and student collaboration areas.

The new location is two blocks from the main New Westminster campus and across the street from the New Westminster SkyTrain station. The new space accommodates the majority of Douglas College’s commerce and business administration programs, including accounting, business administration, business management, finance, hospitality management and office administration.

“The Anvil Office Tower expansion makes quality post-secondary education even more accessible for our students,” said Judy Darcy, MLA for New Westminster. “Added seats and learning opportunities in such a convenient, central location will draw students from throughout the province, as well as help local students keep studying and working in the community they love.”

The Douglas College Anvil Office Tower location will help the college accommodate more than 1,600 students to meet ongoing demand and support anticipated growth. It will also alleviate pressure due to a 17% growth in student enrolment over the last 10 years. The cost of the lease is being covered by the college’s budget surplus and from revenue generated by its programs.

Quotes:

Kathy Denton, president and CEO, Douglas College –

“This expansion marks an important moment in Douglas College’s history. It means we can accommodate the high level of student interest in our programs and ensure that students receive the most inspiring and relevant education during their time at Douglas College.”

Jeffrey Banggayan, bachelor of business administration student, Douglas College –

“The Douglas College Anvil Office Tower has added a lot of student-focused study and collaboration space, which is great. I really appreciate having such accessible and modern facilities at my fingertips for the remainder of my program.”

Quick Facts:

• Douglas College educates about 24,000 students per year and has the largest number of degree and post-degree programs of any B.C. college.
• The majority of students take for-credit courses, but students can also take non-credit courses and workshops in areas such as business, music, health, perinatal, career development, industry training and more.
• Douglas College’s Anvil Office Tower lease agreement totals $8.9 million over a 10-year term.