Kitchener Centre MPP John Milloy, in a visit to the Doon campus of Conestoga College on May 14, announced a new $3.7 million investment in Conestoga to support quality and facility improvements, plus an additional $1.1 million in operating funding for the 2007-2008 fiscal year.
The announcement is part of the Ontario governments multi-year, $6.2 billion investment in post-secondary institutions under the Reaching Higher plan.
In making the announcement, Mr. Milloy stated, Record numbers of students have found opportunity in our colleges and universities, and now students at Conestoga College will benefit from even higher quality education. Ontarios new economic strength depends upon access to quality post-secondary education and training - which is why were helping students gain skills that will last a lifetime.
Acknowledging the new funding, Conestoga College President John Tibbits commented, Two of the major goals for higher education in Ontario are increasing participation rates and producing graduates with the skills necessary to contribute to economic growth, prosperity and productivity. Conestoga welcomes this funding from the Government of Ontario, because it allows us to enhance facilities at three important campuses.
He added, It also permits us to develop access pathways that lead to increased enrolment by qualified students. Our goal, as a forward-looking polytechnic institute, is to achieve the size this diverse region of Ontario needs, expects and deserves.
The $3.7 million portion of the investment is being applied to enhancements at campuses in Kitchener (Doon), Waterloo and Guelph.
Improvements are being made with regard to the quality of the learning environment in a variety of ways that promote efficiency, economy and accessibility. Upgrades are taking place in a number of areas, such as: energy savings and efficiency; mechanical systems; electrical systems; architectural elements; roofing and academic space efficiencies. With regard to academic space, the funding will permit reallocation and reconfiguration of existing space in such a way as to create additional classrooms/learning areas to help accommodate Conestogas increasing enrolment.
CONTACT: Public Affairs Office, 519-748-5220, ext. 3336