Are you wondering what all the buzz is about? Are you curious to see Brock’s newest building projects and learn why they’re so important to the University, the community and the region’s economy?

Then join us on Saturday, Sept. 17 during Brock Days Alumni Weekend for a virtual tour of the Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex and a walking tour of the future home of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

Virtual tour of the Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex

Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex - August 2011

Brock University’s newest construction project, the Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex, is more than just a building made up of structural beams, concrete blocks and office space. Scheduled for occupancy in 2012, it will support students, scientists and researchers who will change lives by advancing knowledge in biotechnology, green science, plant pathology and human health.

From 1:30 to 3 p.m. in Academic South 203, join Ian Brindle and various researchers on a virtual tour of this $111.4-million research and graduate teaching facility. As he walks you through the different floors and equipment of the complex, you’ll learn about:

• Canada’s only research-dedicated Level 3 containment lab with an insectary, where scientists will pursue treatments for deadly diseases like SARS, malaria and tuberculosis.
• The greenhouse that will support our plant genetics researchers who are extracting cancer-fighting compounds from the leaf of the Madagascar periwinkle plant.
• Research into developing a greater understanding of the functioning and adaptability of muscle tissue and how this tissue contributes to health and disease.
• Research using green chemistry to advance processes to produce positive environmental effects.
• The business incubator that will promote entrepreneurship, innovation, employment opportunities and growth by serving as an accelerator for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• The Department of Child and Youth Studies.

Walking tour of the future home of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts

Canada Hair Cloth building - future home of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts

In 2008, Marilyn I. Walker made a transformational gift of $15 million to support Brock University’s School of Fine and Performing Arts faculty and programs. The largest donation ever made in the Niagara region, it is an endowed gift designed to build the academic and intellectual capacity for the school with a goal of establishing a centre of artistic and creative excellence. This downtown historic industrial site will be its new home.

From 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., participants will meet at the Schmon Tower to board a shuttle for the downtown location. While on tour, you’ll learn the history of the old Canada Hair Cloth site and experience first-hand how the space will be transformed to accommodate the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. This project will not only be a wonderful addition to Brock and the Walker School but it will also help to revitalize downtown St. Catharines, stimulate the region’s economy and create new opportunities in the cultural sector.

Space is limited and comfortable footwear is encouraged.

To learn more about these tours, visit brocku.ca/brock-days

Register online at bit.ly/BrockDays-registration

Artist rendering of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines