Donald Teuma-Castelletti
CAMPBELL’S BAY
Aug. 18, 2018
Potential students and alumni had the chance to explore the Pontiac Campus of a Gatineau college on Saturday, where they were welcome to see the grounds, find out about programs and get a taste of life in the classroom.
Heritage College’s campus in Campbell’s Bay held an open house, seeing many drop in for a visit to meet faculty while it ran from noon through till 3 p.m.
With chances to explore all of the offerings at the campus – from single day courses through to part-time and full-time courses – there was plenty for potential students to dive into and start their learning.
Right from the beginning of the open house, potential students were streaming in. People were poking their heads into the building, taking a tour, self-guided or with a faculty member, and checking out how the school could help them start a new career.

Head of the Pontiac Campus, Greg Graham, was quick to highlight their recent group of early childhood education students, who he said have all been spotted in the workforce recently.
“All of our [early childhood education] graduates are already working,” he said. “It’s great to see them out in the workforce.”
He also highlighted how the agricultural programs have led to farms starting up under the guidance of their graduates.
But, as evidenced by the early childhood education program, this campus is not solely meant for those looking for a career in agriculture. Expected to start in early September is the web and desktop programming program, as well as part-time courses in photography, accounting and more.
Graham also highlighted one-day courses running nearly every Saturday from September through to May, touching a wide variety of topics.
Another source of pride for the college is the recent addition of a greenhouse to the property, something faculty tout will be greatly beneficial to students, allowing them to get hands-on with all the dirt they could dream of.
Academic Dean of Heritage College, Roya Abouzia, said that the college maintains this campus because of the need to provide training to Pontiac residents, who cannot afford the travel time it takes to go to the main campus everyday. By having the Pontiac campus available, students can continue to live and work in their communities, while studying too.
“Offering long-term opportunities to people in the region allows them to study literally in their backyard, and not running to Gatineau [everyday],” said Abouzia.
Of the open house, Abouzia added that it’s a great way to connect with not only new students, but generations of Heritage College students in the Pontiac.
“It’s an opportunity to meet people, former students and new students,” she said. “It’s a meet and greet for the community.”