Algonquin College Pembroke Campus

Algonquin College Waterfront Campus Marks Tenth Anniversary

It’s been a decade since classes were first offered at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. It was October 29, 2012 when students walked into the building for the first time. They had been anticipating the move since classes started after Labour Day, but when the building opening was delayed by a few weeks, it built up their anticipation even more to attend the brand new campus that had been in the works for several years.

When students arrived for classes, they were awestruck. Not all of the building was operational, it would take a few more weeks for the gymnasium to be ready, but it was clear that this was a world class post-secondary building, a significant improvement from where they had come.

Ice Sculpture

The original Algonquin College Pembroke Campus had been a dairy that was added onto when the college was founded in the late 1960’s. Located on Pembroke Street East, beside the historic courthouse, the building was landlocked and lacked many of the modern facilities students expected from a college.

In 2006, the College released an economic impact study that confirmed the campus was generating millions of dollars in economic stimulus for Renfrew County through its students, its employees and its operations. That was the start of the advocacy campaign that would result in the opening of the Waterfront Campus on the shores of the Ottawa River six years later.Alumni representing each of the ten years the Pembroke Waterfront Campus has operated line a stairwell at the tenth anniversary celebration.

Recently, the campus celebrated its tenth anniversary by taking a walk down memory lane. Many of the major donors who participated in the community fundraising campaign were there and so were elected officials, alumni, employees and retirees of the college. They were treated to a special musical pop up concert by Business alumnus and Canadian Country Recording artist, Jason Blaine, who also gave a cheque for $15,000 to Algonquin College President, Claude Brulé, the final installment in his $100,000 commitment to establish an endowment for students in financial need.

The most poignant message of the celebration came from long-time community volunteer, Fred Blackstein, who was on the College Board of Governors when the project was approved. It was Blackstein who moved the motion in 2008 that cleared the way for the college to capitalize on a donation of 17 acres of waterfront land made available by the city of Pembroke, to build what has become a centre-point for the downtown and a source of pride for all of Renfrew County.

Business alumnus and Canadian Country recording artist Jason Blaine performs at the tenth anniversary celebration of Algonquin College's Pembroke Waterfront Campus.In his speech, Blackstein captured several moments in the past decade when the college has made significant contributions to the community, noting the clean-up done by students and employees during two floods along the waterfront, the campus hosting Governor General David Johnston for National Volunteer Week in 2013 and the volunteer work done by Office Administration-Executive students in helping establish the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre.

Algonquin College President Claude Brulé speaks at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus tenth anniversary celebration.A month after the campus opened in October of 2012, a grand opening was held. As Blackstein smashed a champagne bottle against the exterior of the new building, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski, called the opening of the campus a “game changer” for the region. Yakabuski was right. In the past decade, the campus has delivered on the promise that was made to the community.

Fred Blackstein slams a champagne bottle against the Waterfront Campus as he helps christen the building in 2012.There is more access for local and out-of-town students to post-secondary education as more programs have been added. Increased enrolments have resulted in five privately owned and operated student residences being built to house almost 200 students. The city’s downtown has been revitalized through investments made by developers and the campus has become a hub in the city’s inner core.

Ten years have gone quickly, but celebrating this milestone is a reminder of how proud the community is to have the Waterfront Campus in its midst. It was Blackstein who coined the phrase, “Be Algonquin Proud, Make Algonquin Proud,” when he delivered those words at a convocation ceremony shortly after the campus opened. They continue to ring true for every student, employee and graduate who either studied or worked at the campus. It’s a special place.

(Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs)

 

Students Return to Campus for Orientation

Reunited-and it feels so good! Hundreds of students who are registered for classes this fall at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus attended orientation activities leading into the start of classes on September 6th and were met by smiling faces as life looked a bit more like it did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students round meeting tableAfter two years of only holding virtual orientation for students, this year there was a buzz on campus as students met with faculty and made connections with new classmates and student services staff as orientation returned to the campus. From move in day barbeques and welcome breakfasts, to learning from their teachers what they can expect in the new academic year, it was an exciting time for everyone who is part of the campus community.

Recreational and fitness facilitiesThere was even opportunities for students to try out the recreational and fitness facilities on campus, including the rock climbing wall which was a huge hit for both new and returning students. The campus attracts many students into its popular Outdoor Adventure program who are heavy users of the wall, but students from many programs enjoy the experience and this year they will have much more access to the facility.

Orientation is such an important part of the college experience. While it is voluntary, most students participated this year, a strong indication of how excited students are to be back on campus. For everyone, it feels like we have turned a corner after more than two years of being apart more than we were together.

Seeing students gathered with their faculty or learning about student services was a breath of fresh air after so many opportunities were lost during the pandemic to bring students together on campus. It was obvious that the students were excited to be back and were highly engaged with everything that was happening around them, even if orientation can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming for some students.

Students on cafeteriaIn the days and weeks ahead, students will settle into their academic studies, but there will still be lots of opportunities to engage in social activities that help students make connections and feel more at home in their new surroundings. From concerts to intramural sports, there will be something for everyone and students are encouraged to get involved in things like book clubs, volunteer opportunities and the upcoming 5 kilometre walk or run so they can meet new people.

Coffee shopWe are so happy to have students back on campus. We have missed them and look forward to getting to know them better. It’s the most exciting time of the year for a college and having the students on campus has revitalized the campus and everyone who works hard to support student success. Welcome back!

(Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs)

It’s Not Too Late to Apply to Algonquin College for the Fall Intake of New Students

It’s the middle of the summer and some recently graduated high school students are still making plans for their future. It’s a big decision and the COVID-19 pandemic may have changed their outlook on where they see themselves career wise. It may also have them questioning whether they are ready for the rigor of post-secondary studies.

With rumblings of a recession, high inflation, rising interest rates and a red-hot labour market, we are in the midst of some turbulence. But, over time post-secondary education has proven to be one of the wisest decisions a person can make, leading to longer term stability in the labour force, opportunities for career advancement and a better resume that opens doors to employment for new college graduates.

Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus has a lot to offer. With more than 20 full-time programs available and a very committed group of student services staff and faculty, a smaller campus environment can help students make the transition to higher education. For example, the college has staff who support students with disabilities, provide guidance on applying for financial aid and help students secure co-op positions or work placements that provide them with real life work experience before they complete their program.

Early Childhood Education, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusAs more programming returns to campus this fall, students can expect a robust college experience that includes many events and activities offered through the Algonquin College Students’ Association and Student Services including an orientation concert, a 5 kilometre walk or run, comedy shows, intramural sports and access to great facilities like a gymnasium, fitness centre and rock climbing wall. All of these social and recreational experiences with other students help to make connections that can lead to new interests that broaden a student’s perspective, making them a more well-rounded individual when they complete their academic studies.

Becoming part of a college learning community is a special time for students. Meeting new people, some of whom will become life-long friends, and being taught new skills in a field that inspires you to make a difference is what a new high school graduate can expect. Of course, enrolling in a college program comes with responsibility and ultimately a student will need to take charge of their post-secondary experience.

Asking for help is always a good decision. Free services like coaching and tutoring can help keep a student on track, and learning about how to apply for a bursary can remove some of the burden that may be placed on students who are struggling financially. To be successful, students should take advantage of all of the supports that are available to them to succeed.

Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus, Student for a DayThere is still time to apply to a college program that begins in September. Many programs have seats available and it’s not unusual for both recent high school graduates and mature applicants to make the decision during the summer months to attend school in the fall.

The first step is contacting the admissions team at the Pembroke Campus to learn more about the programs that are available, or doing your own research by visiting the campus website at: www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke. Step two is to apply through the Ontario College Application Services at: www.ontariocolleges.ca. Then, the admissions team will guide you through the rest of the process to become a student in the fall.

Colleges are well positioned to support employers and job seekers when the economy gets bumpy. Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus is well integrated within the community and is the primary feeder of trained individuals in several sectors including health care, social services, business, skilled trades, tourism, forestry and adventure tourism. If that’s where your career plans are focussed, take the time to connect with the college. It may be the best decision you make this summer.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. You can reach Jamie by email at brambuj@algonquincollege.com.

 

The Year in Review-2021

Like 2020, the year 2021 was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on everyday life. The pandemic leads our year in review at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus as we reflect on the past 12 months and how our students and employees demonstrated resiliency and worked to help others in need.

The Year in Review-2021

The hopes that came with a vaccination to protect people from the virus also required a huge volunteer effort to operate vaccination clinics. Several Pembroke Campus employees and students volunteered their time at the largest clinic in Renfrew County which operated for several months during the spring and summer of 2021 at the Pembroke Memorial Centre.

The vaccines permitted more activity to be held on campus when the Fall term began, but to protect the campus community, the College introduced a mandatory vaccination policy for anyone coming on campus. Daily screening, mask wearing and physical distancing was also required as the College reduced lab sizes and put in additional safety mitigation practices within programs.

For the second year in a row, the College opted to hold a virtual convocation ceremony. One of the highlights of the Pembroke Campus ceremony was the awarding of an Honorary Degree to Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe. Keefe spent many years in Pembroke as he started his coaching career with the Junior A Lumber Kings and was a donor to the Waterfront Campus building fund and a bursary set up to support students in financial need.

Sheldon Keefe, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus, Speaker Series

Photo Source: Maple Leaf Daily News

The Pembroke Campus also celebrated when two of its graduates from the Social Service Worker program, Tom Sidney and Crystal Martin-Lapenskie, were recognized for their career accomplishments when they received an Alumni of Distinction award from the college. Martin-Lapenskie was also nominated for a Premier’s award for her work supporting Inuit youth across Canada, work that included recording a national public service announcement encouraging Inuit to get a COVID-19 vaccination.

Martin-Lapenskie

Another alumnus was also making us proud. After a year off because of the coronavirus, country recording artist and Business graduate Jason Blaine returned to his hometown of Pembroke to host a revised one-day charity concert and golf tournament. The event was a huge success as it raised $80,000 for special projects and community organizations in the Pembroke area. $10,000 of the funds raised was donated to Blaine’s endowment fund at the Pembroke Campus which supports students who need bursaries to support their educational investment.

Business graduate Jason Blaine

While the pandemic created many challenges, there were also some new opportunities that helped the College broaden its community outreach. The Pembroke Campus had been hosting a speaker series for more than 20 years, but the pandemic forced the campus to move from in-person to virtual presentations. With no travel requirements for speakers, the campus was able to attract some high profile personalities including His Honour Murray Sinclair, who chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, former CBC The National Anchor Peter Mansbridge, Author and Historian Charlotte Gray and Ron MacLean and Tara Slone of Hockey Night in Canada and Rogers Hometown Hockey which paid a visit to Pembroke in December.

His Honour Murray Sinclair

The campus was able to support the Forestry sector through a large government investment of almost $5-million to help the industry attract new workers and train its existing workforce. The Forestry Skills Advance Ontario project was announced in the spring and resulted in several blocks of training being made available to mills and wood manufacturing facilities across the region.

Staff presenting

Partnerships were a big part of 2021 for the Pembroke Campus as the College worked with organizations such as the Renfrew County District School Board to offer special dual credit and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship programs that gave high school students a chance to come on campus to experience the skilled trades. A special summer trades camp was offered that gave students a chance to test drive careers in trades such as carpentry and welding.

Forestry students also helped plant 30,000 trees in Algonquin Park and the Nipissing Forest. The project was sponsored by the Ontario Woodlot Association, the Canadian Institute of Forestry, Friends of the Petawawa Research Forest, Nipissing Forest Management Inc., and the Algonquin Forestry Authority, all important partners to the College’s long-standing Forestry Technician program. As a thank you to the students, a $5,000 donation was made to the College in support of its Forestry program.

Forestry students also helped plant 30,000 trees in Algonquin Park and the Nipissing Forest

The College continued to expand its programming in 2021 with the launch of the Environmental Management and Assessment post-graduate certificate program which began in January. The program proved to be very population with both Canadian and international students. The campus also announced it would have a first intake for a Computer Programming program in January of 2022.

In April, the campus was able to expand its Employment Ontario footprint in Renfrew County when it began offering Employment Services support to unemployed or underemployed individuals in the Eganville and Barry’s Bay areas. The College’s Academic Upgrading program continued to offer most of its programming remotely, creating new opportunities for learners to access the program.

We have only highlighted a few of the many things that were happening at the Pembroke Campus in 2021. We look forward to creating more memories in 2022. Happy New Year to everyone from all of us at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus.

 

Algonquin College Pembroke Campus Virtual Open House on October 20th

Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus continues to expand its programming, offering more choices for anyone interested in pursuing a college certificate, diploma or degree. The campus will be hosting a virtual Open House on Wednesday, October 20 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. that will include an opportunity for prospective students to learn more about the programs.

The sessions will be led by faculty who teach in the 23 programs that will be represented. The program mix at the campus includes business, technology, health care, skilled trades and unique programs such as Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety, Outdoor Adventure and Environmental Technician.

Wednesday, October 20 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m

The campus is also launching two new programs starting in January of 2022. Geographical Information Systems is a post-graduate certificate program and Computer Programming is a two-year diploma program that includes an optional paid co-op experience. These programs join the Environmental Management and Assessment post-graduate certificate program that was offered for the first time at the campus last year.

In addition to the program sessions, there will also be a special session for parents and several student services sessions that will help address questions about admissions requirements, financial aid and what supports are available to help students succeed in their academic programs. When the time comes to visit the campus, students will really be able to appreciate the picturesque beauty of the campus which is located on the shores of the Ottawa River.

the shores of the Ottawa River

Virtual sessions have proven to be very convenient for prospective students and their families, particularly applicants who don’t live in Pembroke. It eliminates the need to travel and provides great access to faculty and student services staff to get questions answered. A virtual campus tour is also available and there will be some prizes available for those who attend.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many organizations to expand their use of technology and the same is true for Algonquin College. While more programming is gradually returning to the Waterfront Campus, remote learning is continuing and the College is utilizing platforms such as ZOOM to be able to bring information to prospective students in the most convenient way possible.

Open House

Pre-registration is required for the virtual Open House so that links can be provided to students who want to attend. The event is open to anyone who is interested in attending Algonquin College as representatives for the Ottawa and Perth campuses will also be available to answer questions. Information on the Open House has been shared with high schools and employment services offices throughout the region as Ontario Colleges are now receiving applications for both the Winter and Fall 2022 intakes.

In fact, offers of admission for the Fall 2022 intake will start to be made as of November 1st so it’s not too early to apply and make plans for attending a college program. Applications can be made online at www.ontariocolleges.ca. Prospective students can pre-register for the Open House at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke/voh/

 

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. Jamie can be reached at brambuj@algonquincollege.com or at 613-735-4700, ext. 2756

30,000 Trees Planted by Forestry Technician Students

The days were long, the sun was hot, but the satisfaction of a job well done is what inspired 23 Forestry Technician students from Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus to plant 30,000 trees in Algonquin Park and the Nipissing Forest.

In a program that involves hundreds of hours of practical learning experiences in forests and bush lots, this was the ultimate challenge for the students because of how meaningful the project was. Trees are one of natures most renewable resources, but these trees are special. They have been planted in memory of people who recently passed away.

Planting trees

The project was sponsored by the Ontario Woodlot Association, the Canadian Institute of Forestry, Friends of the Petawawa Research Forest, Nipissing Forest Management Inc. and the Algonquin Forestry Authority. The trees included white pine, red pine and white spruce seedlings. As a thank you to the students, a $5,000 donation was made to the College in support of the Forestry Technician program.

Planting trees

Forestry Technician Program Coordinator, Peter Arbour says, “This was such a satisfying experience for the students. Planting trees in an operational context, creating a living memorial and helping the forest for the next 100 years, while raising funds for the College, was a beautiful thing.”.

Planting trees

The Forestry Technician program is the longest standing program offered at the Pembroke Campus. It was established shortly after the campus began operations in the late 1960’s and has produced hundreds of graduates who have supported the labour market needs of one of Canada’s most important industries. Technicians trained by Algonquin College can be found in forest operations across the country and throughout the Ottawa Valley which is well known for its forestry roots.

About twenty years ago, the program format was modified from being a traditional two year diploma program to a compressed diploma program. This transition has allowed students to complete the program in one calendar year. It’s also what made this tree planting project possible, because students are available during the spring and summer months as they are finishing up their final semester before graduating in late August.

Planting trees

The program continues to be very popular, attracting more applicants than the number of seats available. In recent years, the Pembroke Campus also introduced an Urban Forestry-Arboriculture program and it has also been well received. Both programs have waitlists for the Fall 2021 intake which is good news for an industry that has experienced some labour market shortages in recent years.

Both the Forestry Technician and the Arborist programs attract students from across Ontario and Quebec, and in some cases other parts of Canada. Forestry is an industry that has been around for hundreds of years, and it will continue with Algonquin College well established as one of the leading forestry education post-secondary schools in the country.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs)

Promoting the Skilled Trades to High School Students During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been disruptive to many things in life including education, but in some parts of the province there have been some excellent partnerships between Colleges and District School Boards that have benefitted high school students. Renfrew County is one of those places where there is a significant blue-collar workforce and looming labour market shortages.

The skilled trades have been particularly hard hit. An aging workforce, a housing construction boom and a stubborn pandemic have created the perfect storm, but these workforce gaps have also created some urgency for Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus and the Renfrew County Public and Catholic District School Boards to create more opportunities for students interested in skilled trades careers.

Pembroke skilled trade student work

While most Ontario high school students are studying from home, a small group of high school seniors are swinging hammers and making precision cuts as they complete level one of the General Carpenter apprenticeship program at the Pembroke Campus. With the support of the Renfrew County District Health Unit, the two school boards and the College, 18 students are enrolled in the program, nine from each board. It’s part of a School-College-Work-Initiative that helps high school students get a taste of college before they graduate from secondary school.

“It’s been quite extraordinary to watch how this partnership has evolved through the pandemic and the sheer determination by all parties to make this work for students,” says Tracy Norris, Acting Manager of Academic Partnerships at Algonquin College.

While Renfrew County has had its share of positive COVID-19 cases, the population base is much smaller and throughout the pandemic there have been fewer regulatory restrictions imposed on the area. The College has continued to deliver a variety of shop classes and labs in a modified format that includes smaller class sizes, work space protective barriers, physical distancing and mask wearing.

Renfrew shop class (OYAP Carpenter students with the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board pose for a photo wearing masks and socially distancing from one another. Only nine students are allowed in the shop at one time)

The program began in mid-April and will continue until the end of June. Students have been supplied with books, tools and safety equipment relevant to the trade to support their learning. By splitting the students into two smaller groups, it has ensured the college’s adherence to provincial COVID-19 regulations for delivering trades programs. It has also helped with providing strong program oversight and the coordination of transportation for students to and from school daily.

The program schedule has required students to be flexible. While most classes such as understanding building codes, estimating project costs and using power tools safety are being delivered during the daytime, welding classes are offered in the early evening. The students and their families haven’t questioned the schedule, but they have expressed a lot of gratitude that the program is being offered.

“This has been a great opportunity for the students. There is always a lot of interest in the skilled trades in our area and the students were genuinely excited to be part of the program,” says Tina Noel, OYAP Coordinator for the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board.

AC wood burning

With only a small number of spaces available to students, it was difficult to decide what students would be admitted into the program. It didn’t take long to fill the seats, and those seats were well spaced out. Individual work stations were set up and furniture was adjusted to ensure physical distancing both in the classroom and in the shop.

“The attention to detail to ensure the students could safely and collaboratively hone their carpentry skills, while also experiencing college, has been great,” says Alex Harris, OYAP Coordinator for the Renfrew County District School Board.

AC Students build

During the pandemic, representatives of the school boards and the Pembroke Campus have been meeting weekly. The sole objective of the meetings is to find other pathway program opportunities to keep high school students engaged at a time when many of their other classes are being delivered virtually. The regular communication has produced excellent results.

In addition to the Apprenticeship delivery, more than 100 other high school students in Renfrew County have participated in a dual credit course offered during the 2021-2022 academic semester at the Pembroke Campus. These offerings included courses in Communications, Psychology and Foreign Landscapes. An “introduction to the skilled trades” summer course, planned for this July, will be targeted at groups that are not fully represented in the construction sector, particularly young women and Indigenous youth.

This grassroots effort to introduce more young people to the abundance of career opportunities available in the skilled trades is a great example of how the School-College-Work Initiative is making a difference, one student at a time.

Apply to be a JEDI Mentor

Want to add to your resume and enhance your post-secondary experience? We are looking for student mentors for our incoming 2021-2022 first-year students aka JEDI Mentors!

Job Description

A JEDI is a second-year student who takes a leadership role in supporting first-year student’s college success. JEDIs are select individuals with ability and desire to:

  • Share their leadership, knowledge, and academic ability to help others succeed;
  • Mentor a group of first-year students in a wide variety of informal channels – social, outdoor and educational;
  • Assume a leadership role in directing students to supporting resources for their success;
  • Be an ambassador for the program and the Pembroke Campus at special first-year student events as requested;
  • Receive training and development in mentorship and other specialized certifications like Mental Health First Aid, Positive Space, Leadership, Bystander and Sexual Harassment and also add to your Co-Curricular Record;

Required Qualifications

  • Desire to be a positive role model
  • Good listening and communication skills
  • Proven commitment to your program
  • Demonstrated academic success
  • Willing to dedicate 20 hours/semester over two semesters including:
    • Attendance at recruitment and other program social events
    • Orientation (April) and /Training Day

We are looking for JEDI Mentors in the following programs:

  • Applied Nuclear Science & Radiation Safety
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Business
  • Computer Systems Technician
  • Environmental Technician
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Outdoor Adventure Naturalist
  • Personal Support Worker
  • Practical Nursing
  • Social Service Worker

If you have any questions, please contact:
Shelly Sutherland, Student Success Specialist
suthers@algonquincollege.com

OR your Program Coordinator

CLOSING OPPORTUNITY: FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2021

 

Incredible Winter Adventures Await in Ottawa Valley

Now is the time to embrace winter! Our Winterfest celebration is an opportunity to make a conscious effort to explore the Ottawa Valley. The Ottawa Valley is Ontario’s adventure playground, a year-round adventure destination but winter turns it into a fairy-tale destination that no one wants to miss. As the snow blankets the region, adventurers and nature lovers in the Ottawa valley head outside to indulge in various adventure activities as the magic unfolds. Here are some of the experiences you can do to quench your thirst for adventure this winter season.

  1. Image result for snowmobiling ottawa valleySnowmobiling in the Depths of Winter: Winter in the Ottawa Valley means lots of snow and crisp temperatures – perfect snowmobiling weather for sledding enthusiasts. Over 2,550 km of groomed Trans Ontario Provincial (TOP) trails and local trails that wind through picturesque villages, along abandoned rail beds, past old mine sites and ghost towns provide ample memorable places to ride.

  2. Gliding on the Snow Carpet: The serene environment ranging from tree-lined slopes, challenging vertical drops to gentle runs make it an ideal alpine skiing and snowboarding destination. Many true snow bunnies dream all year long with huge anticipation to glide through untouched powder on the slopes.

    SnowboardingThe options include Mount Pakenham, Calabogie Peak Resort, Mount Martin, Mount Molson etc. Mount Pakenham, located in Mississippi Mills, is Eastern Ontario’s premier family ski, snowboard and tubing location which is ideal for every enthusiast. At a height of 730 ft with a 280 ft vertical drop, this mountain offers 10 trails, plus glade trails, and 7 lifts to get you moving.

    Calabogie Peaks, the tallest public ski resort in Ontario, is an all-seasons resort located at the base of Dickson Mountain on the shores of Calabogie Lake. Apart from skiing and snowboarding, one can also stay and enjoy the best of what winter offers with many snowy adventures.

    The Mount Martin Ski Club (MMSC) maintains 12 runs including a glade run and 2 terrain parks (with jumps, rails and boxes), and is served by a T-bar, right in the Town of Deep River. Most trails are groomed, and all runs are patrolled by volunteers from the Canadian Ski Patrol.

    Located in the heart of Petawawa, the Petawawa Ski Club operates on the world’s smallest ski hill, known by the locals as Mount Molson which offers lessons for skiing and snowboarding.

  3. Image result for Cross Country skiing forest leaSkiing Cross Country Trails: The Valley presents an outstanding array of Nordic trails for winter sport enthusiasts. Here there are a variety of excellent and scenic cross-country trails winding through meadows and forests for various skill levels such as Silver Spoon Trails, Madawaska Nordic Trails, Opeongo Hills Nordic and Forest Lea Trails – with 1.5 km of lighted ski trails for night skiing.

  4. Snowshoeing the Beautiful Backcountry: There isn’t any other better way to learn and be a part of our wonderful Canadian winters than simply getting out there and experiencing it first-hand. The Ottawa Valley is home to some terrific and pristine wilderness just waiting to be explored.Image result for snowshoeing renfrew county All you need is a pair of snowshoes and you can explore hundreds of kilometres of amazing trails and wilderness routes. Moreover, there are numerous naturalist and interpretive trails such as Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Center, Kiwanis Walk Way and Petawawa Millennium Trail where you could learn more about the rich history and heritage of the place.

  5. Image result for Ice Fishing renfrew countyIce Fishing – Winter Pastime for Everyone: Cradled between the Ottawa River and Algonquin Park, the Ottawa Valley is home to over 900 lakes and 4 major river systems. There are ample opportunities for anglers to get out on the frozen lake or river to net a trophy fish. The Valley boasts 158,000 acres of water filled with more than 20 species of fish such as bass, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge etc. Premier destinations include the heritage Ottawa River, Lake Dore, Golden Lake etc. Be sure to check out the Laurentian Valley Ice Fishing Derby on February 27 – learn more.

  6. Image result for Ma-Te-Way Park skating

    Source: Inside Ottawa Valley

    Sharpen your Skates and Feel the Rush: What better way to celebrate winter than hitting the ice with friends and family? Explore and enjoy the cool, crisp air by slapping on a pair of skates and gliding the day away on one of our well-maintained municipal rinks and skating trails. The skating season is generally open from December through to March. There are a variety of options for the skaters ranging from indoor rinks to outdoor rinks and skating trails such as Laurentian Valley Skating Trail, Ma-Te-Way Park Trail and Deep River Skate Trail.

  7. Image result for Westmeath Lookout stars

    Enchanting Star Gazing at Westmeath Lookout: One of the best ways to find solace from the hustles of life and being in the moment in the chill of the winter is stargazing. Generally, due to so much light pollution in the cities, the view of the stars and constellations is not clear. However, on a clear night and away from the blinding lights, just 20 minutes drive from the city of Pembroke, one can escape to the countryside in the Whitewater Region of Ottawa Valley and enjoy the spectacular view of the stars at Westmeath Lookout.

  8. Image result for Pembroke Murals winter

    Pembroke Heritage Murals Walk: Take a winter walk and stroll through Pembroke’s downtown to see Canada’s largest outdoor gallery featuring more than 30 large-scale murals depicting the history, settlement and heritage of the Ottawa Valley. These Murals are an illustrated record of Pembroke’s ever-changing history. Come and witness the story of the Pembroke area in Ottawa Valley.

Written by: Sachin Sethi, Recruitment Officer and Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Alumni

The Big Day Arrives-Congratulations You’ve Been Offered Admission!

February 1st is one of the greatest days of the year for Ontario college applicants. As the clock ticked past midnight, all of the province’s public colleges started making offers of admission, including Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus.

What a way to start the week. It’s one of the best feelings an applicant can have. It’s like a breath of fresh air while standing on a mountain, realizing that your career goals are now within reach. That is what today is like for hundreds of applicants who first received the good news from the Pembroke Campus by email. Their hard-copy admissions offer will arrive by traditional mail this week.

Outdoor Adventure, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

The email was packed with great information about the next steps applicants must take to secure their seat in their program, but mostly it was about making applicants feel welcome. Video congratulatory messages from the Campus Dean, Dr. Keltie Jones and the program coordinator were included, plus some programs included an invitation to meet with the coordinator and other admitted students in a virtual meet and greet later in the day. In other programs, faculty were busy calling incoming students to congratulate them.

These initial contacts are a great way for applicants to start making connections with the campus and the people they will be spending a lot of time with once classes start in September. It makes applicants feel much more comfortable with the important decision they now have to make, confirming they have found the right program and the right campus for their post-secondary studies.

Applicants have until May 1st to confirm their offer of admission, but from past experience, the College knows that many applicants will confirm their seat within hours or days of receiving the good news. They’re excited to get their plans in order, but the message the College wants them to receive is that our team will be there for them all the way through their educational journey. First impressions matter and the Pembroke Campus has a well-earned reputation for fulfilling the College mission to help students transform their hopes and dreams into life-long success.

Personal Support Worker, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

There are many key dates in the admissions cycle. Beyond the confirmation deadline of May 1st, tuition deposits are due June 15th and conditionally accepted applicants who have outstanding academic requirements have until August 1st to get this work done. Orientation activities will be available in the summer months to prepare students for classes and formal academic orientation sessions will be offered a few days before classes begin the day after Labour Day.

So to keep applicants on track with the tasks that need to be completed, the Pembroke Campus will communicate with applicants through email, phone calls, social media posts and website updates. Staying connected is critical to ensure a successful start to college and today was the first step in building a relationship with the incoming class to ensure they know who they can reach out to if they need help with things like applying for financial aid, submitting documents, or securing housing in Pembroke.

Staying in touch with the campus is important because September is many months away. Given the many questions newly admitted applicants will have about how the College is delivering courses and services during the COVID-19 pandemic and how things might change in the weeks and months ahead is a good reason for prospective students to participate in activities the College plans for them. Applicants can also visit the College’s COVID-19 website for the most up-to-date information.

Environmental Technician, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

Applicants who do not receive an offer on February 1st should not be discouraged. There is still plenty of time to apply to College or complete academic upgrading to be considered for admission. Most programs will remain open leading into the start of classes in September until there are no longer any seats available. Applications will now be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and offers of admission will be made once the College admissions officers have all of the information they need to assess the application. This primarily requires the submission of educational transcripts.

Some programs attract many applications and these are the programs that require applicants to apply as early as possible. Programs that attract a lot of applications at the Pembroke Campus include Nursing, Forestry Technician and Carpentry and Renovations Techniques, so applying soon is advised to avoid the risk of being placed on a waitlist.

Today is a day to celebrate for the applicants who applied early and received an offer of admission. Congratulations to every one of you and we look forward to having you study with us at the Waterfront Campus.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs