City of Barrie and Lakehead University Celebrate Completion of New STEM Hub
September 8, 2026
The City of Barrie and Lakehead University celebrated the completion of the Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub in the heart of downtown Barrie’s vibrant waterfront. Bringing a university presence to the city represents a transformative investment in talent, education, and economic growth in Barrie.
The Barrie STEM Hub is a multi-site facility with two locations: 24 Maple Avenue (the former Barrie Transit Terminal) and 5 Ross Street. These facilities have been transformed into more than 26,000 square feet of lab and classroom space, offering vibrant spaces designed to deliver hands-on education in engineering, mechatronics, and computer science at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The dual-location model will support both student experience and business collaboration.
As enrolment grows over time, the STEM Hub is expected to bring upwards of 800 students, researchers, and employees into the downtown over the next several years. The STEM Hub will enable students to learn locally for in-demand careers, supply industry with skilled talent, and generate economic benefits for the city with more demand for goods, services, dining, and entertainment.
With small class sizes, mentorship opportunities, and strong connections to local industry, the STEM Hub will empower students to explore, innovate, and launch successful careers in STEM fields.
Lakehead University will welcome the inaugural Barrie STEM Hub class on September 8, 2026.
For more information about the Barrie STEM Hub, visit barrie.ca/STEMHub or lakeheadu.ca/barrie.
