Fleming College staff say “there have not been any significant delays” with the ongoing 47-bed student residence build at the Haliburton School of Art + Design (HSAD), touting an opening some time this year.
A Fleming spokesperson told The Highlander in a March 14 email that work is still underway on land overlooking the campus inside Glebe Park. Construction crews broke ground on the $16 million development in December 2023, with college administration estimating the facility would be move-in ready by early 2025.
“Like any project of this size, there can be minor slowdowns due to supply chain issues, inclement weather etc.,” the college representative said. “The residence remains on schedule to open in 2025.”
The college says construction has largely wrapped, with workers now “in the process of completing any identified deficiencies with the project… and completing some outdoor landscaping.” Once open, it will boast 27 units – seven individual suites and 20 two-bedroom apartments.
The Haliburton campus was the only Fleming-operated site to escape widespread program cuts last year after the federal government introduced new limits on international student intake.
Twenty-nine courses in Peterborough and Lindsay were scrapped, with Fleming president Maureen Adamson estimating the cap would mean a $40 million annual revenue loss for the college. At its peak, the institution reported 4,000 of a total 7,200 students were international.
The college spokesperson said the impact in Haliburton has been negligible since the new rules came into place in January 2024, though warned changes could be on the horizon.
“Enrolment in classes at the Haliburton campus has remained consistent between 2023/24 and 2024/25 at a low level. International revenue has previously been used to subsidize these courses, and we are exploring innovative options for program delivery.”
Fleming released its 2025 course calendar March 3, highlighting summer programming and fall options. As of now, all 10 full-time programs in Haliburton will return, including the artist blacksmith, glassblowing, ceramics, jewellery making, and fine arts courses.
There are dozens of options for people throughout the summer, including new offerings in arts commerce, small business planning, oil painting, weaving, musical theatre, screenwriting, and folkloric ceramics.
“We are extremely excited about these programs – many of them are open to all skill and experience levels, so you’ll be able to take something from them whether you’re new to the craft, an expert, or anywhere in between,” the college said.
HSAD is hosting an open house March 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering prospective students a peek behind the campus’ red doors.
Staff will lead tours of the facility, while students and instructors in the glass, ceramic and jewellery studios lead live demonstrations. Academic coordinators will be available to answer questions about certificate and diploma programs in drawing and painting, fibre arts, and visual/creative arts.
Representatives from Fleming Crew, Minden Pride, and the Arts Council Haliburton Highlands will also be in attendance.
“We hope to showcase the supportive community and strong industry connections that make Fleming a great place to learn and grow.”
For a full list of programs, visit flemingcollege.ca/hsad.
