Universities across the province are about to have a little more money to spend on upgrades.
The Manitoba government says it is tripling its investment in university renewal with an additional $40 million in funding for 54 campus improvement projects at the province's four major universities, Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Diane McGifford announced Wednesday.
"We are committed to the renewal of post-secondary institutions and revitalizing our campuses to ensure colleges and universities continue to provide exciting and vibrant settings for learning," said McGifford.
Revitalization of the universities, which was assessed and recommended by an independent engineering firm, will include new roofing and plumbing, additional security, increased accessibility, improved energy efficiency through new heating and lighting systems, insulation upgrades and high-efficiency lighting equipment. The work will improve the school lives of almost 40,000 students who are enrolled at the four universities, the minister said.
Among the project highlights:
- University of Manitoba - $26 million for building structural improvements, insulation upgrades and fire-safety system upgrades;
- University of Winnipeg - $7.9 million for roof replacements, security and accessibly upgrades to the Duckworth athletic centre, Sparling Hall, Centennial Hall and other locations;
- Brandon University - $3 million for heating and fire-alarm system upgrades; and
- Coll�ge Universitaire de Saint-Boniface - $530,000 for campus upgrades including heating systems.
"We are extremely grateful to the provincial government for recognizing the infrastructure needs that exist on our campus,"
said Dr. David Barnard, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manitoba. "This funding will help us address those issues and ensure we continue to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the students and staff who study and work at the University of Manitoba."
Other university and college campus renewal projects currently underway include:
- The University of Manitoba's Project Domino,
- The University of Winnipeg's Richardson Science Complex and McFeetors Hall student residence,
- The University College of the North's two main campuses in Thompson and The Pas,
- Red River College's new Heavy Equipment Training Centre, and
- Assiniboine Community College's new Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology.
With today's announcement, the province says it has now supported $565.6 million in new capital and maintenance projects at post-secondary education institutions since 1999.
This two-year capital investment is part of the infrastructure stimulus announced in the provincial government's economic statement and throne speech. It is estimated that for every $1 million invested in renovations, 30 jobs are created and $1.5 million is added to the gross domestic product.
