Kingston and the Islands Member of Parliament, Mark Gerretsen (Artsci'06), visited campus on Friday, Dec. 7 for a tour of the newly-opened Mitchell Hall. Accompanied by Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Kevin Deluzio, Professor and Vice Dean (Graduate Studies and Recruitment) Mark Green, and  Associate Vice Principal (Facilities) John Witjes, Gerretsen toured the building's active learning classrooms, the revitalized Bartlett Gym, the new home of Student Wellness Services, and the third floor laboratory spaces.

Mitchell Hall opened to students on Monday, Dec. 3. Over the months of December and January, more facilities will open their doors, including the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC), Faith and Spiritual Life, and Student Community Relations, which are all moving from the John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC) to Mitchell Hall, as well as the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC). A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for Spring 2019.

Mr. Gerretsen last toured Mitchell Hall (then named the Innovation and Wellness Centre) in late 2017 – early in the facility's construction. In October 2016, the Government of Canada invested $31 million in two Queen's campus projects – including Mitchell Hall – through the Postsecondary Institutions Strategic Infrastructure Fund.