West Lake House features an assembly hall, library, science labs, music, art, pottery studios, drama rooms, and classrooms at the independent school in Newmarket
The Pickering College community in Newmarket came together on Sept. 2 to celebrate the opening of its new academic building, the West Lake House.
After years of construction work, the latest facility on the private school’s campus on Bayview Avenue welcomed students, parents, and teachers. The capital expansion includes an assembly hall, library, science labs, music and art studios, pottery studios, drama rooms, and classrooms.
Dr. Cinde Lock, head of the school, mentioned that this new building symbolizes years of dreaming and hard work.
“It’s opportunities for learning that you’ll be looking at,” she said. “You’re looking at ways that students will interact with each other, that the community will come together, and just imagine all that this beautiful space can bring for the school.”
The West Lake House began construction in 2023 and promises over 50,000 square feet dedicated to learning. The college raised more than $27 million through a capital campaign over several years to realize this project.
While not every part of the new facility is fully finished yet-some details are still being completed-Lock emphasized they didn’t want to postpone the opening any longer. Additional features like an outdoor basketball court and playground are also forthcoming.
“The space will continue to grow and evolve in full view of our students, staff and families,” she said. “I’m just so excited that you’re all here to be part of this next chapter.”
Ariana Heidarpour Meymeh from Grade 12 recalled how she saw construction begin during her Grade 9 year-and even remembered a pipe bursting early on in the process. Now she feels excited about what this building represents.
“What excites me most is the possibilities this space brings and the chance it gives students to discover new passions,” Meymeh said. “It’s not about the spaces themselves but the opportunities they open up. I feel so fortunate to have watched this transformation from start to finish.
“I’m excited to make memories here myself with friends and classmates,” she added.
The name West Lake House reflects back on where the school was originally located when it was founded by Quakers in West Lake Ontario back in 1842.
Daisy Lin from Grade 8 shared how eager students are to embark on this new journey at college.
“We can’t wait to learn, perform and grow in this amazing new space,” she said.
<p. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place parents and students streamed through hallways for their first look inside while chatting with teachers present at their new classrooms.
Grandparent Paul Turner expressed that he felt there hadn’t been any major expansions within a long time for their community.
He hopes everything runs smoothly as planned with regard to using it well now going forward.
“All new things always have little hiccups so hopefully these ones stay minor instead of becoming major issues.” Grandparent Shirley Turner found it exciting saying it’s such a fantastic area for kids.
“All state-of-the-art, new things,” she commented. “Great space for them learning… We look forward watching our grandkids graduate from here.” Mayor John Taylor stated how crucial improvements happening inside educational institutions truly impact both local communities as well as nations overall. To Students , he pointed out though these walls may seem solid alone , what really counts takes place beyond them. “Use this incredible opportunity being given you collaborate fellow peers think globally locally ” , he urged.” Come together making improvements throughout Newmarket Ontario Canada everywhere possible utilizing tools granted today !”
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“All new things always have little hiccups so hopefully these ones stay minor instead of becoming major issues.” Grandparent Shirley Turner found it exciting saying it’s such a fantastic area for kids.
“All state-of-the-art, new things,” she commented. “Great space for them learning… We look forward watching our grandkids graduate from here.” Mayor John Taylor stated how crucial improvements happening inside educational institutions truly impact both local communities as well as nations overall. To Students , he pointed out though these walls may seem solid alone , what really counts takes place beyond them. “Use this incredible opportunity being given you collaborate fellow peers think globally locally ” , he urged.” Come together making improvements throughout Newmarket Ontario Canada everywhere possible utilizing tools granted today !”
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