The Ontario government’s announcement of $200 million for postsecondary campus renewal was greeted with enthusiasm by Ontario universities. Modernizing infrastructure and addressing deferred maintenance are top priorities for Ontario universities.
“This is a tremendous boost to the university sector,” said Dr. Ross Paul, Vice-Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and President of the University of Windsor. “Funding for campus renewal will help revitalize our labs, libraries and classrooms to ensure that they are equipped for cutting-edge research, new technologies, changing learning environments and increased student demand for university places.”
“The Ontario government clearly understands that universities are the knowledge infrastructure of the province,” said Dr. Paul Genest, President of the Council of Ontario Universities.
Much of Ontario’s university infrastructure was built in the 1960s and 1970s. Modernization will ensure that systems are reliable, suitable for today’s teaching needs, and meet accessibility guidelines, new standards of energy efficiency and security needs.
“This important investment in campus renewal reflects Minister Milloy’s and Premier McGuinty’s strong leadership in higher education and recognition of the crucial link between universities and Ontario’s economy and society,” said Dr. Genest. “This investment is five times the amount that the postsecondary education sector ordinarily receives annually, and demonstrates the Ministry’s responsiveness to the needs of the higher education sector and the educated people and ideas it generates. It is a terrific investment.”
“Ontario universities are well placed to help the government address economic and social challenges,” said Dr. Genest. “This investment in academic infrastructure will greatly advance our ability to do that.”
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For more information contact:
Dr. Paul C. Genest
President, Council of Ontario Universities
416- 979-2165 ext. 256 or 416-616-7231
Dr. Ross Paul
Vice-Chair, Council and President, University of Windsor
(519) 253-3000 ext. 2000
