Students at University College of the North’s Flin Flon campus now have access to a new student residence in the city of northern Manitoba. The official opening of the residence took place on Monday, aimed at facilitating easier access to higher education for residents in the area.
The new residence, constructed mainly from portable units resembling a mining camp, is located adjacent to the UCN campus and the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy. It features 30 rooms, a recreation area, gym, commercial kitchen, and dining hall. All 30 rooms are expected to be occupied by the end of September, and additional units may be added in response to demand.
With 14 campuses spread across northern Manitoba, UCN has expanded its offerings in Flin Flon by introducing a practical nursing diploma program and a health care aide certificate program. The campus also houses the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy, which provides training for mining jobs in the region, including the nearby McIlvenna Bay copper mine in Saskatchewan.
The delayed opening of the residence, which began construction in 2025 and faced setbacks due to a wildfire evacuation last year, was met with enthusiasm by UCN officials. The project, costing around $2 million, was funded by UCN, provincial, and federal governments, with federal funding channeled through Prairies Economic Development Canada. The Manitoba mineral development fund, managed by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, also contributed to the project.
UCN President Doug Lauvstad highlighted the importance of the new residence in expanding programs, particularly those related to the mining academy. The project was a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, and Manitoba Advanced Education Minister Renée Cable emphasized the significance of providing northern students with training opportunities closer to home to enhance their skill development and success.