The fairgrounds marked a major milestone last week with the official grand opening of the new Northern Lights College (NLC) student-built barn.
The completed structure originated as a vision championed by the late Connie Patterson, whose goal was to expand regional agricultural infrastructure while providing real-world opportunities for local youth and students. Through a partnership between NLC, the Dawson Creek Exhibition Association (DCEA), and The City of Dawson Creek, NLC trades students turned that vision into reality, providing hands-on training that benefits the entire region.
Anndra Graff, Vice President of Finance and Corporate Services at NLC was on site to celebrate the grand opening.
“This barn represents what can happen when a community comes together with a shared vision,” she said. “Our Northern Lights College students were able to take their classroom learning into the real world, building something that will serve the Dawson Creek community for years to come. We are proud to have supported this initiative and, most importantly, to have given our students the opportunity to contribute their skills to a project that will become part of the community’s future.”
Todd Bondaroff, President and CEO of NLC is also proud of this collaborative project.
“What makes this project so special is that it connects a great vision with the talent of our faculty, students, and the strength of our community,” he said. “We are proud that Northern Lights College could play a part in bringing that vision to life.”
During the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by Darcy Dober, Mayor of Dawson Creek, Murray Pratt, President of the Dawson Creek Exhibition Association, as well as Rod Cork, Dean of Trades and Apprenticeships at NLC. All paid tribute to Connie Patterson’s legacy and celebrated the skill and effort demonstrated by the NLC students. Photos from the ceremony and ribbon cutting can be found here in our online photo album.
Murray Pratt spoke on behalf of the Exhibition Association.
“The addition of this new Horse Barn will compliment our fairgrounds for many years to come,” he said. “The completion of this Legacy project shows us what is possible when our community stands together. On Behalf of the Exhibition Board of Directors and its members I would like to thank NLC and their Trades Program, the City of Dawson Creek, Northern Development trust, and all the donors to make this barn build come to realization.”
The new facility will serve as a permanent community asset for future exhibitions, agricultural programs, and local events. Additional details regarding the background and construction phase of the project can be found at nlc.bc.ca/barn-build/.
