More than 900 people from across southern Ontario visited Georgian College’s Great Lakes International Marine Training Centre (GLIMTC) during Owen Sound’s annual Doors Open Festival, which took place June 6 and 7. Visitors came from as far away as the Niagara region.

Public interest in the marine training centre has been brisk since opening last year, says James Clark, Marketing and Recruitment Specialist, Owen Sound Campus.

“We’ve received many inquiries from the public since we officially opened the marine training centre last November,” says James.

“Participating in the Doors Open Festival was a great opportunity to showcase our facilities and teach the public about our marine navigation and technology programs and careers in the marine industry.”

Close to 20 area venues participated in the Owen Sound event. Organizers said the GLIMTC attracted the most visitors during the annual weekend festival, which occurs in tandem with similar Doors Open festivals in communities across Ontario.

Staff and faculty members guided visitors on a 45-minute tour. Students were also on-hand to help at the event.

“Visitors were astounded at the number of jobs available in the marine industry on the Great Lakes alone,” adds James.

“In many cases, this was the first time they had heard about our marine programs and the careers that await our students after graduation.”

Demand for tours was so great there was a wait time of 30 minutes. Still, visitors came away from the tour saying it was worth the wait. Some even returned the next day with other friends and family members.