The Ontario government is investing $13.8 million in funding to help Conestoga, the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University provide safe and modern learning environments for students and employees virtually and on campus.
“I know how vital it is for our post-secondary students to have access to a safe, modern and connected learning environment that also supports accessibility,” said Mike Harris, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga. “Making these investments now will ensure that not only current students will benefit from necessary upgrades, but future students, my own kids included, will benefit as well.”
Conestoga will receive $4.5 million in funding for projects to improve on-campus energy efficiency as well as to enhance equipment and learning spaces for the delivery of skilled trades and health care education to meet critical workforce needs.
“We appreciate this important investment by the Government of Ontario in the renewal and modernization of our campuses and facilities,” said Jacinda Reitsma, vice-president, Finance and Corporate Services at Conestoga. “These resources will help ensure that we can continue to deliver leading-edge programming to address the current and future needs of our community and provide students with the expertise to launch successful careers.”
The funding is part of the government’s $583 million investment over three years to help institutions modernize classrooms by upgrading technology, carrying out critical repairs, improving environmental sustainability, and supporting virtual learning projects that increase access to post-secondary education.
“Ontario’s post-secondary institutions offer world-class education, which is critical to the future of the province and our economy,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Our government’s investments to build Ontario will help colleges and universities renew and modernize their facilities and buy vital training equipment so they can continue to deliver high-quality education to students -- anytime and anywhere.”
For more information, view the full news release.