The facility marks the largest capital investment in the university’s history, and is its latest initiative to grow the region’s medical biotechnology sector.

The new facility will increase health care capacity in the community and address the significant need for more specialized care for patients requiring longer hospital stays.

Under the initiative, local governments can apply for up to $1 million to help cover adaptation project costs and up to $70,000 for risk assessments and feasibility studies.

The facility will span more than 127,000 square feet, and is expected to be completed in under three years.

One of the contracts calls for the design and manufacturing of nine new station shelters for installation along the Toronto-to-Timmins route.