November 28, 2011

Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation, Wawa

In 2007, the Superior East region faced many challenges.  By year’s end, four of the region’s largest employers, all forestry related, had either suspended operations indefinitely or announced major cutbacks to their operations, affecting approximately 900 people.  In response, The Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation (SECFDC) began focusing on workforce development and training in the Superior East region.

In addition to addressing the training needs of workers displaced by the downturn in the forestry industry, the SECFDC set out to establish a permanent post-secondary institution in Wawa that would benefit the all residents of the Superior East region.

In September 2009, the project gained momentum when the Ontario Trillium Foundation provided support to hire a Training Coordinator to research options for distance education for the region.

Fast forward to 2011, accompanied by partners at the Municipality of Wawa; the SECFDC was extremely pleased to play a role in the establishment of Confederation College’s eighth regional campus.

Photo:   Confederation College – Wawa Campus opened in May 2011.  Don Bernosky of the college, with Training Coordinator Melanie Pilon and Dan Friyia of Superior East CFDC