Wednesday, May 27, 2026
The new medical sciences building – the learning hub for the Cape Breton Medical Campus – officially opened at Cape Breton University (CBU).
The campus – a partnership with Dalhousie faculty of medicine and CBU – welcomed its first cohort of students last August, a significant step forward in training the next generation of doctors.
“This is a historic day for Cape Breton and for healthcare across our province,” said Premier Tim Houston. “By training more doctors here at home, we are improving access to care for families today, and for generations to come.”
The medical campus will train up to 30 new family doctors each year. Under return-of-service agreements, the students – who are from rural Nova Scotia communities – have committed to practise family medicine in rural areas of the province after they graduate.
“The opening of the Cape Breton Medical Campus medical sciences building marks a significant milestone for medical education and healthcare in Nova Scotia. This achievement reflects the strength of our partnership with Cape Breton University and the Province, and a shared commitment to expanding access to care in rural and underserved communities,” said Dr. David Anderson, Dean of Medicine, Dalhousie faculty of medicine.
The new facility features modern learning environments with advanced technology for connected classrooms, a full anatomy lab and a state-of-the-art clinical simulation centre.
The inaugural class started their learning in a temporary space at the former Nova Scotia Community College campus nearby while the medical sciences building was under construction.
The Province’s investment in the campus also includes an expanded Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre and a new health home that will offer primary care to residents and clinical training for medical students.
The project was constructed by Joneljim Construction acting as the primary construction management company, and was designed by Perkins & Will, working in collaboration with local architecture firm Trifos Design Consultants.
Other firms involved in the project included: Entuitive (structural engineering), Colin MacDonald (building manager), Aucoin Group, Flynn Group, Northern Contracting Ltd., Brilun Group of Companies, RKO Steel, Lynk Group, Cape Breton Drywall, TK Elevator, Sydney Landscaping, and John Trenholm.
In March 2023, the Province announced $58.9 million to develop the campus, including $49 million for the medical sciences building and related infrastructure, $6.2 million for a new health home and $3.7 million to expand the Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre
Featured image: The exterior of the new medical sciences building on the Cape Breton Medical Campus at Cape Breton University. (Cape Breton University)
