Collège Boréal and the Cochrane District Services Board Partner to Open New Student Residence

27 August 2026

Timmins

The initiative will provide students with modern accommodations designed to enhance campus life and support academic success.

Collège Boréal and the Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) are pleased to announce the opening of a new student residence that will accommodate a minimum of 25 students and enhance access to safe, modern, and affordable housing for those pursuing French-language postsecondary education in the region.

Located at 71 Main Street in South Porcupine, the residence is housed in a historic building and will provide students with a welcoming living environment designed to foster a vibrant college experience and support student well-being, an important foundation for academic success. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening housing options, educational opportunities and responding to community needs through innovative partnerships.

The property is owned by the Cochrane District Local Housing Corporation (CDLHC), a municipally supported housing corporation that manages a portfolio of housing assets across the Cochrane District under the direction of the CDSB. The CDLHC plays a key role in supporting strategic housing and community development initiatives throughout the region.

The partnership also demonstrates a creative approach to maximizing the value of local assets while supporting education and workforce development in Northern Ontario. By combining the acquisition of the building by the CDHLC with the financial management provided by Collège Boréal, the partners have developed a forward-thinking model that helps address a critical need for student housing, enabling learners to access local educational opportunities and build the skilled workforce that communities and employers rely on. The collaboration promotes the residence’s long-term viability while ensuring efficient occupancy and maximizing its impact for students, the local economy, and the broader community.

Together, Collège Boréal and the CDSB are helping to expand the region’s capacity to attract and retain students while contributing to wider community development objectives.

This new residence represents an important investment in the student experience. By offering modern living spaces designed to meet the needs of today’s learners, we are creating an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. Quality accommodations are an essential part of college life, and this project will contribute to a more enriching and rewarding experience for our students.

Mélanie Dufresne

Director, Collège Boréal’s Timmins Campus

Strong communities need a range of housing options to support people at every stage of life. Our partnership with Collège Boréal reflects a shared commitment to ensuring this community asset is being used in a way that responds to local needs while supporting education, workforce development, and long-term community growth. By working together, we are helping create opportunities for people to learn, build careers, and contribute to the future of Timmins and the Cochrane District.

Brian Marks

Chief Administrative Officer for the Cochrane District Services Board

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