Over the past month, Alberta’s government rolled out funding for 12 projects at 10 post-secondary institutions. These projects range from large-scale redevelopment and expansion of existing buildings, to upgrading mechanical and electrical systems and replacing cooling and heating infrastructure.
This funding will not only ensure capital assets are maintained, but will also help keep Albertans employed in about 533 full-time jobs across the province.
“Alberta’s Recovery Plan includes funding for key infrastructure projects that will get Albertans working, now. We’re taking an approach that balances our commitment to fiscal responsibility while creating jobs along the way. This new funding will help us meet students’ evolving needs, give researchers new and better spaces to further their important work, and make sure our campuses stay safe and welcoming places.”
“Alberta’s Recovery Plan is spending $10 billion on vital public infrastructure in every corner of the province. This includes $2 billion on shovel-ready capital maintenance and renewal to create jobs today while Albertans face record unemployment. These important projects will enhance the value of our province’s infrastructure.”
Newly funded projects include:
- $20 million to the University of Lethbridge to upgrade their district heating and cooling centre, which will improve the campus’s energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- $17.3 million to Lakeland College to modernize the Mead Building, creating energy efficient and student-centred spaces that will serve the region for years.
- $15.16 million to Olds College to expand and revitalize the Animal Health Education Centre and address anticipated program growth.
- $6.2 million to Olds College to re-develop and expand the James Murray Building and help create the new ag tech learning hub, which promises to be a world-leader in integrated agricultural, technological and data sciences learning experiences.
- $8.13 million to NAIT to upgrade heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in the O Building.
- $8 million to the University of Alberta to renew, replace and upgrade mechanical and electrical systems in the Brain and Aging Research Building, which will also permit the upper floor to be converted to additional research space.
- $8 million to the University of Alberta to install a new piping system to heat and cool the Tory Building.
- $5 million to Red Deer College to renew and replace a variety of mechanical infrastructure systems, including heating, ventilation and cooling systems as well as water and sewage systems.
- $3.35 million to Lethbridge College for hazmat abatement, upgrading mechanical systems, and replacing lighting and ceiling fixtures.
- $3.2 million to Keyano College to ensure compliance with building codes.
- $2.58 million to the Banff Centre to replace heating, ventilation, cooling and other support systems in the theatre complex.
- $850,000 to Medicine Hat College to replace the campus’s electrical substation.
Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs, now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure, we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth. Alberta came together to save lives by flattening the curve and now we must do the same to save livelihoods, grow and thrive.
Key facts
This project is part of the more than $10 billion infrastructure spending announced as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan. This spending includes:
- $6.9 billion Budget 2020 capital spending
- $980 million accelerated for Capital Maintenance and Renewal
- $200 million for Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program and water infrastructure projects
- $600 million in strategic infrastructure projects
- $500 million in municipal infrastructure
- $1.5 billion for Keystone XL
