Ottawa’s La Cité collégiale is the latest post-secondary institution to receive a capital funding boost from the province.

The Ontario government announced on December 17 that it will give the college $2.35 million to address its deferred maintenance backlog. Work will include critical repairs and updates, while supporting the renewal of infrastructure campus projects.

"Well-maintained facilities and access to the latest in learning tools and equipment are critical parts of a postsecondary education," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation and Francophone Affairs. "By investing in Ontario's postsecondary infrastructure, our government is supporting economic recovery, creating jobs and ensuring students obtain the skills they need for the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow."

As part of the Facilities Renewal Program (FRP), the province is providing almost $1.86 million to La Cité to help address the ongoing need for maintenance, repair, renovation and modernization of existing facilities. The 2020–21 FRP funding represents an increase of more than 273 percent over and above last year.

As part of the College Equipment and Renewal Fund (CERF), the government is also providing over $497,000 to help La Cité collégiale purchase and renew instructional equipment and learning resources. For 2020–21, CERF funding can also be used to purchase equipment to support student virtual learning during COVID-19. 

"The first-class education students receive at our postsecondary institutions is critical to the future of Ontario, our economy, and the prosperity of our people," said Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities. "That is why our government is committed to providing annual funding that will help our colleges and universities renew and modernize their facilities."

The province announced a significant funding package for its post-secondary institutions in its 2020 budget. The package includes $466 million in capital grants over three years starting in 2020–21 to fund critical maintenance, repairs, upgrades and renewals. The investment includes $144 million in 2020–21, $144 million in 2021–22 and $178 million in 2022–23.

The Ontario government is also investing $20 million through the College Equipment and Renewal Fund to help Ontario colleges purchase and renew instructional equipment and learning resources.

"These investments will ensure La Cité can continue to offer the very best learning environments to our students while providing access to state-of-the-art learning tools and technology," said Lise Bourgeois, President of Collège La Cité."This funding will also spur local economic growth and create new job opportunities throughout our community."