This release was issued under a previous government.
University of Lethbridge students give Minister Phillips and MLA Fitzpatrick a demonstration in the new Destination Project SynBridge Lab.
Scheduled to open for classes in September 2019, the $247-million, 38,400-square-metre building is the largest expansion at the University of Lethbridge in more than 40 years. About 750 new jobs were created to complete construction over the past four year, and the project will provide learning spaces for an additional 450 students.
“Our government was proud to fully fund this incredible facility so that residents of southern Alberta can access world-class science programs close to home. I’m inspired to think that because of this investment, students will work with some of our country’s most talented minds to make discoveries, develop new technologies and bring their ideas to life.”
“The Destination Project is a landmark achievement for our community and a gift to the next generation of Alberta leaders. This is the largest investment in the University of Lethbridge since it was built and completion of this world-class facility will attract new talent, expand student enrolment, support our research community and continue to grow the economy.”
“The faculty at the University of Lethbridge are world leaders in their respective fields and have been a critical element in the high-quality learning environment that our undergraduate and graduate students enjoy. This expertise will be completely unbridled in the Destination Project, which is arguably one of the most innovative teaching and research buildings in the world."
“The Destination Project is community infrastructure. Not only will the facilities provide unparalleled research and teaching space for our faculty and students, but it will also be a hub where community gathers to learn, innovate and grow."
“The Destination Project will allow current and future students to study in a world-class environment that puts student accessibility and experiential learning at the forefront of one’s education.”
The University of Lethbridge aspires to meet gold LEED standards with this building by prioritizing energy efficiency. It will feature several innovative efficiency upgrades, such as a winter garden that facilitates fresh air exchange and passive heating and cooling.
The project will feature an incubation space for students and faculty to collaborate with industry, entrepreneurs and investors. This innovative approach will help researchers and students take their ideas to market and further diversify our economy.
This project is one of seven capital and planning projects for Alberta’s post-secondary system outlined in Budget 2018. Government will invest $479.3 million in these projects by 2020-21, plus an additional $356 million for capital maintenance and renewal.