CTDC_Grand_Opening

Feature Article October 31

Feature Article October 31, 2001

LAND O'LAKES NewsWeb Home

Computer Technology Development Centre launched in Sharbot LakeBy David Brison CTDC_Grand_Opening The Community Technology Development Centre (CTDC) officially opened on Friday, October 26, in the Retail Centre in Sharbot Lake. The centre, a partnership among the Limestone District Board of Education (Sharbot Lake High School), Computers for Schools-Ontario, Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), and the Land O Lakes Communications Network, allows local youth and adults to gain valuable skills while refurbishing donated computers that are distributed to schools in the region.

This centre, which has been in operation since the beginning of the school year, receives computers through Computers for Schools-Ontario, an Industry Canada program. These computers are cleaned, tested, inventoried, refurbished, and then sent to schools in the region that have requested additional hardware.

A truck load of 150 donated computers arrived on the day of the official opening. Mark Elliott, a SLHS teacher who, as a teacher/technician, directs the day-to-day operation of the centre, expects that it wont take long to have those computers checked, refurbished and back out to the schools.

This is an excellent example of the school and the community working together, said Tom Taylor, Principal of Sharbot Lake High School. A grade 11 Computer Tech class will also make use of the facility for their course work.

HRDC will provide up to $88,000 for the operation of the centre as well as providing wages for the adult and youth workers through the Job Creation Partnership and the Youth Employment Initiatives programs.

The Government of Canada proudly partners with local communities, noted Larry McCormick, MP, CTDC provides important skills development while opening economic opportunities in our area.

We are very pleased to participate in this innovative partnership, said Jim MacPherson, coordinator of the LOLCN. This centre will give the people of this area the tools and skills required to participate in the knowledge-based economy, as well as supplying technology to the students in our schools. The LOLCN was the lead applicant for project funding and will also provide administrative support. For further information please contact Jim MacPherson at 279-3737.