George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
City of Toronto Councillor Josh Matlow visited George Brown Polytechnic’s Casa Loma Campus on April 20 for a guided tour of teaching labs and facilities, followed by a discussion of the campus’s role in supporting learners and the surrounding community.
During the visit, Councillor Matlow toured the construction, millwright, and welding spaces, meeting with faculty, staff, and students and observing hands-on training in action. The tour offered an inside look at how the campus supports career-ready education in skilled trades and applied technologies for learners in Ward 12 Toronto–St. Paul’s, where the Casa Loma Campus is located.
Engaging with students and faculty across applied programs
The councillor spent time speaking directly with students and technologists in the labs, hearing about their learning experiences and career aspirations. He remarked on the passion he observed among students and faculty, noting how clearly their commitment to craft and applied learning came through during the visit.
Dr. Adel Esayed, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science, Construction and Engineering Technologies, shared with Councillor Matlow the breadth and impact of the faculty’s programs and their alignment with industry and community needs.
“Our programs are designed to give students real-world experience using industry-standard equipment, while building the technical and problem-solving skills employers rely on,” said Dr. Esayed. “It was a pleasure to share how our faculty is preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to Toronto’s workforce and infrastructure, and how our campus plays a vital role in that ecosystem.”
Strengthening ties between campus and community
Following the tour, Councillor Matlow joined campus leaders for a conversation about the importance of skills training and student supports, and the broader impact George Brown has on the community through its accessible, career-focused education in the city.
The visit underscored the ongoing relationship between George Brown and the City of Toronto, and the shared commitment to supporting students, local industry, and the surrounding neighbourhood through applied education and training.
