Construction commences for a collaborative P3 project in student housing, driven by Fengate Asset Management and Tilbury Properties.
🔨💥 CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON LAMBTON COLLEGE'S NEXT GREAT LEGACY! 💥🔨
Sarnia, Ontario, June 25, 2025 - Fengate Asset Management (Fengate) and Tilbury Properties (Tilbury) are jumping into action on the anticipated Lambton College student residence, turning the shovels and hammering in the first nails in a groundbreaking ceremony reminiscent of yesteryear.
Fengate and Tilbury gathered students, faculty, local officials, partners, and community supporters on site to mark the beginning of a new chapter in the college's history. Let's break down the details!
"It's with immense pride that Fengate and our partners at Tilbury start the construction on this campus revolution, providing a vital, modern student home," noted Mac Bell, Managing Director, Infrastructure Investments at Fengate.
Background noise roared as Michael Kaye, Founding Partner at Tilbury, added, "We are so excited to be revisiting the roots of our family's construction business, back in 1969 when my grandfather's team built the first Lambton College building on this very campus. This project represents a breathtaking opportunity to honor our past while crafting a legacy for the future."
Situated right in the heart of Lambton County, Lambton College ranks as a pioneering driving force in education, innovation, and applied research. As the region's sole postsecondary institution, it plays a significant role in community, business, and social development, propelling the area forward through its quality education offerings to domestic and international students.
Fengate and Tilbury seized the opportunity to bring this historic new residence to life by winning the project via a competitive procurement process under a public-private partnership (P3) framework. The team managed to secure financial close for the 311-bed on-campus entity and are aiming for an opening in September 2027, lining up perfectly with the college's 60th anniversary!
Featured design and construction talents include Teeple Architects and Ball Construction, ensuring top-notch quality for the building's five-story structure.
Now, let's dive into the expected impacts:
- Revitalizing Campus Life: Lambton College President Rob Kardas describes the project as a "jewel in the crown" of campus modernization, symbolizing the college's dedication to improving student living conditions.
- Financial Wise Move: The P3 model ensures the college doesn't deplete its reserves by maintaining financial flexibility in the face of expansion efforts. Exploring other options, like rehabilitating the existing residence or self-financing, were less feasible in the long run.
- Attracting Students: The modern, purpose-built residence will undoubtedly attract students, domestic and international, bolstering the student body and fostering a thriving community on campus. Additionally, it should help retain these students in the Sarnia-Lambton region post-graduation.
- Championing History: Tilbury Properties boasts deep-rooted ties to the Sarnia community, dating back to when they built the original Lambton College structure in 1969. This connection adds a meaningful layer to the project's historical significance.
- Community Contribution: As a cornerstone of the local community, Lambton College drives economic growth, encourages innovation, and educates a skilled workforce. This residence will continue to aid in those pursuits, furthering the college's mission to the benefit of all Sarnia residents.
In conclusion, Fengate and Tilbury have teamed up to bring about the construction of a fantastic, modern $50 million, 311-bed student residence, estimated for completion by September 2027. The partnership represents a significant step in both the college's and Tilbury Properties' illustrious histories, ensuring Lambton College's future stays bright!
- The construction of a modern $50 million, 311-bed student residence at Lambton College is underway, with Fengate Asset Management and Tilbury Properties leading the project.
- Located in the heart of Lambton County, this new residence is expected to revitalize campus life and contribute to community development by providing a modern living space for students.
- The project, under a public-private partnership (P3) framework, aims to attract students from across Canada and beyond, strengthening the college's reputation for education and innovation.
- Fengate and Tilbury's partnership not only honors the roots of Tilbury's construction business but also supports the financial sustainability of Lambton College.
- This student residence project further cements Lambton College's role as a cornerstone of the Sarnia community, driving economic growth, encouraging innovation, and educating a skilled workforce.
