Northern College, Discovery Mining announce $5 million partnership for Timmins sports dome and new program
Northern College and Discovery Mining Ltd. announced a partnership on July 29 that includes a $5 million commitment for projects at the college’s Timmins campus, including $3 million for the Sports Dome—set to be renamed the Discovery Fieldhouse—and $2 million to co-develop an Environmental Technician program planned to launch in fall 2027.
For Timmins residents and students, the announcement points to changes at a well-used campus recreation facility and a new academic program tied to environmental work in the mining sector. No opening date was provided for the renamed fieldhouse, and no further timeline was given beyond the planned fall 2027 start for the Environmental Technician program.
Northern College said the $3 million portion is directed to the Sports Dome and that the facility will take the new name, Discovery Fieldhouse.
Other contributors named by the college as supporting the project through “financial and partnership contributions” include the City of Timmins, Caisse Alliance, the Northern College Student Association’s Timmins chapter, and the Province of Ontario through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.
Northern College said the $2 million portion is for the co-development of the Environmental Technician program. The college said the funding is intended to support the program’s development, delivery and long-term sustainability.
Jamie Johnston, the college’s dean of Mining, Trades, Technology and Apprenticeship, said Discovery staff have helped shape the program, including its curriculum, delivery methods and learning priorities.
Northern College said funding from Discovery is also intended to support modernization of laboratory facilities at the Timmins campus, as well as program promotion, scholarships, student placements and experiential learning opportunities.
The announcement included statements from Northern College President and CEO Mitch Dumas and Discovery chairman, president and CEO Tony Makuch, as well as comments from Timmins MPP George Pirie and Ontario’s minister of colleges and universities, Nolan Quinn.