Current post-secondary capital projects

Overview

Every year, the Government of Alberta prepares a Capital Plan that outlines its investments in infrastructure projects across the province.

Capital Plan summary

Budget 2022-25 provided $563 million for publicly funded post-secondary capital projects and capital maintenance and renewal.

Table 1. Capital Plan 2022-25 budget details in $ millions

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

John Ware redevelopment project

The project will see the continuation and completion of the John Ware building Phase 3, which includes the completion of base building mechanical infrastructure, long term electrical and data for the building and the relocation of a major service elevator and electrical room. In addition, architectural finishing enabling the final occupancy and egress of the building will be completed.

The completed project will be a maximum of 14,000 gross square metres in total area, comprised of preservation space and will not be designed in excess of this area, without prior consultation with and approval by the Minister.

Government of Alberta investment

$41 million

Expected completion

Targeted for September 2025

University of Calgary

Veterinary medicine expansion

The project is for the construction of a standalone, instructional and administrative building of approximately 7,200 gross square metres at the University of Calgary’s Spyhill Campus, to support the expansion of the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

In addition to this new building, basic trailer facilities at WA Ranches (of approximately 1,250 gross square metres) and renovations at both Spyhill and Foothills campuses (of approximately 1,400 net square metres) will be completed.

Government of Alberta investment

$58.5 million

Expected completion

Targeted for September 2026

Mount Royal University

Repurposing of existing facilities

The Repurpose of Existing Facilities Project includes the addition of 4 classrooms and related building system and code upgrades within the former conservatory space and the repurposing, interior floor addition and all related building system and code upgrades to the former library space.

The completed Project will be a maximum of 23,841 gross square metres gross square meters in total area, comprised of 21,513 gross square metres of preservation space and 2,328 gross square metres of new space.

MRU’s plan to repurpose vacant library and conservatory space intends to act as an economic stimulus by creating jobs, which would enable MRU to accommodate additional students, and put idle space into production.

Government of Alberta investment

$50 million

Expected completion

Targeted for January 2025

Northern Lakes College

High Prairie campus consolidation

High Prairie is an important hub to the training needs of the Northern Lakes College service region. This project will:

• provide modern delivery methods and strategies for trades training
• serve regional employment demands
• serve the needs of Indigenous learners in the region
• provide a permanent, centralized and purpose-built facility
• consolidate 3 ageing facilities
• significantly reduce the college’s operating costs

This facility will further trades and industrial training, as well as fundamental education, which are paramount in the future development of Alberta’s northwestern region.

Government of Alberta investment

$20.73 million

Completion

Completed in November 2020

University of Alberta

Dentistry, pharmacy – Functional renewal of building

The renewal of this historically significant building takes advantage of its excellent architecture and incorporates contemporary building operations and maintenance systems to support administrative, teaching, learning and research activities on the North Campus. This project:

• builds a new access point for the U of A to the community of prospective students, current students and alumni
• allows greater administrative efficiencies by co-locating many central services
• increases floor space
• reduces demand for outside leases

Government of Alberta investment

$249 million, including $239 million announced in Budget 2018

Expected completion

Targeted for June 2023

District Energy System

A District Energy System (DES) centralizes the production of heating, cooling and electricity for a neighbourhood or community. In general, it is more efficient than having separate systems in each building because it uses less fuel and reduces maintenance, transportation and distribution costs.

The University of Alberta (U of A) owns and operates the fifth largest District Energy System in North America. The heating plant burns gas and uses cogeneration technology to capture the heat emitted as a by-product of electrical generation. Heat that would otherwise be lost is reused to heat campus buildings.

DES is a public utility that serves:

• the U of A
• Alberta Health Services
• the Canadian Blood Services
• the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
• the federal National Institute of Nanotechnology
• other smaller power users, including St. Joseph’s College and St. Stephens College

Combining heat and power, the DES will meet the energy needs of new facilities and transition existing facilities to the system with capacity to provide service to some government facilities in the future. A carbon reduction success, the DES:

• can make significant contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• incorporates the latest technologies
• saves costs through managing power production and natural gas purchases
• reduces operating costs for the university and others relying on DES for utilities services

To support increased electrical capacity and distribution while addressing operational and safety risks, Alberta government funding supports two system upgrades:

• upgrading the Garneau substation switchgear
• expanding the electrical feeder cable from the Garneau substation to the Greater Campus Area substation

Government of Alberta investment

$29.5 million

Expected completion

Targeted for March 2024

University of Calgary

MacKimmie Complex

The MacKimmie Complex is integral to the future master planning of research, academic and student spaces across the U of C campus. The renewal of this complex will address the projected enrolment demand in the Calgary region.

Better space utilization will support future expansion while saving a significant amount on demolition and new construction. This project:

• frees up additional space for classrooms and labs in other buildings
• supports new programming
• allows relocation of the social work program
• allows expansion of the Faculty of Nursing in vacated space
• centralizes administration
• replaces end-of-life building systems
• meets current codes

Government of Alberta investment

$262 million, in addition to $17 million previously provided for retrofit planning funds

Expected completion

Targeted for August 2022

Capital maintenance and renewal

The Budget 2020 Capital Plan noted the intention to centralize all Capital Maintenance and Renewal (CMR) funds to increase transparency and enhance tracking and reporting on maintenance and renewal funding.

With this change, Government of Alberta ministries will provide a list of prioritised CMR projects to Alberta Treasury Board and Finance which will make decisions about ministry funding levels based on a government-wide needs assessment and prioritization process.

Government of Alberta investment for 2022-23

$109 million