Red Deer College is closing the gap on the 88 million dollar Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

Philanthropists Jack and Joan Donald announced a three million dollar gift towards the construction of a new wing in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre yesterday.

The Donald Health and Wellness Centre will be dedicated to the field of health and wellness and will welcome new learners in the fall of 2018.

President of Red Deer College Joel Ward explains what students can expect in the new facility "our school of health sciences will be located there, there will be lots of classroom space and lab space to support our programs, whether it's nursing, practical nursing, health care aid, med lab technician, physical therap, occupational therapy and new programs we have on the books that we will be announcing fairly soon as well".

Ward adds the new facility will be another step in the college's bid to become a polytechnic university.

The Gary W. Harris Canada Game Centre will also host five events during the 2019 Canada Winter Games.