The provincial government is investing $400,000 to support the upgrading of infrastructure which will improve students’ learning experiences at Algoma University, David Orazietti MPP announced today.
“Our government is pleased to support these important projects, which will give local post-secondary students access to renewed and upgraded facilities,” said Orazietti. “We know that providing access to high-quality education and modern training is critical to building the highly-skilled workforce we need to support good jobs and economic growth for today and tomorrow.”
This $400,000 provincial investment through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development will allow Algoma University to upgrade Shingwauk Hall and become more energy efficient by replacing all mechanical and lighting systems. The total proposed $4.7 million Shingwauk Hall Renewal and Energy Update project would allow the campus to maximize efficiency gains as it would replace all exterior windows and doors, as well as installing new HVAC systems and LED lighting upgrades.
“We are pleased to receive funding from the federal government, through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, and from the Province of Ontario. The funding will be used to upgrade and modernize Shingwauk Hall. Shingwauk Hall is our flagship building and is a vital representation of the mission, mandate and history of Algoma University,” said Dr. Craig Chamberlin, President and Vice-Chancellor, Algoma University. “This funding will allow us to create a modern teaching and learning environment while maintaining the historic character of the building. The renovations to Shingwauk Hall further our commitment to environmental sustainability by maximizing efficiency gains through the deployment of modern lighting and energy systems.”
In May 2016, the provincial government provided Sault College with $10.6 million towards the $16.1 million Institute for Environment Education and Entrepreneurship (iE3). The institution aims to become a centre of excellence in forestry and clean tech, which will include activities in bioenergy, water management, land rehabilitation and forest management.
Helping renew critical Algoma University and Sault College facilities is part of the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history — about $160 billion over 12 years, which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province, with projects such as roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals. Since 2015, the province announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life.
Investing in postsecondary infrastructure is part of the government’s economic plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.
Key Provincial initiatives supporting Algoma University since 2003 include:
· $10.3 million for new Biosciences & Technology Centre
· $7.6 million for transition to independent university and to expand high quality degree programs
· $3.1 million for facility improvements and modernization
· $2.0 million for improvements/expansion of George Leach Centre
· $879,458 for research infrastructure
· $800,000 for Invasive Species Research Chair
· $518,808 for endowment foundation – Ontario Trust Program
· $374,750 Productivity Innovation Fund – building organizational capacity data mining analysis
· $295,015 for Ontario Digital Games Business Incubator
· $250,000 to develop Computer Gaming Technology Centre
· $130,833 for services for students with disabilities
· $124,300 First year student success programs
