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CNC unveils John Brink building
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Prince George Free Press
December 2, 2004
Businessman John Brink made a lasting mark Monday as the College of New Caledonia named its new trades building after him.
At a ceremony at the former Canadian Tire building on West Central Street, college president Ralph Troschke said the building would known as the John A. Brink Trades and Technology Centre.
“It’s going to be really nice to finally stop calling this the old Canadian Tire building,” he joked.
He said the new building, acquired in June, will house the college’s automotive shop and electrical and woodworking programs, and allow the expansion of the millwright, machinist, and welding programs in the existing trades building.
The college bought the building in June – for a total purchase and renovation cost of $6.46 million – with the help of the ministry of Advanced Education, headed by Prince George- Mount Robson MLA and deputy premier Shirley Bond.
“Today is a great day for the college,” she said. “I have always believed and still believe the College of New Caledonia should be the leader of trades training in B.C.”
The Community Futures Development Corporation and the college were a le to attract $1.1 million of the project through the Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative (SICEAI).
Brink made the first installment Monday of a commitment he made four years ago to provide $500,000 over 10 years to the development of a wood technology centre.
CNC board chair Art Robin praised Brink, owner and CEO of Brink Forest Products as a long-time supporter of the college.
Brink said the college has been a “vibrant engine of social, community, and economic development in our region for 35 years.”
Te thanked Bond, Prince George North LA Pat Bell, Mayor Colin Kinsley (all present for the ceremony), and community leaders for their support.
Brink, who moved to Canada from Holland in 1965 at age 24 with just over $25 in his pocket, said he wanted to move to the land of his heroes – the Canadian soldiers who liberated much of Holland in 1945 – and fulfill a dream of giving something back to the country.
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