The government says the project will strengthen Canada’s preparedness for future pandemics by increasing capacity to produce and fill-finish vaccines and therapeutics.

The federal and provincial governments have announced more than $17 million in funding to build an aquatic centre at RBJ Schlegel Park in southwest Kitchener.

A research team from the University of Waterloo’s engineering department has devised a tool to help budget-conscious public-sector organizations prioritize their annual capital spends.

The project, which aims to store unused energy collected during off-peak times from Ontario’s grid and return it to the grid during peak demand, promises significant environmental and economic benefits.

The 2,000-square foot space will be sited at 350 Legget Drive, home of the original Mitel Networks campus. Construction is scheduled to start in June, with the facility opening after Labour Day.