The University of Guelph is the latest to receive an injection of cash from the province.

On December 16, the government announced that it will invest $15 million in the university over the next three years to help the institution address its deferred maintenance backlog. Work will include critical repairs and upgrades, as well as the renewal of new infrastructure campus projects.

The funding is part of the province's $466 million total investment in capital funding to help colleges and universities across Ontario address their deferred maintenance backlog.

"The knowledge and skills students develop at our world-class postsecondary institutions is critical to the economy, the prosperity of our people and the future of our great province," said David Piccini, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges and Universities. "That is why our ministry has committed to providing annual funding that will help our colleges and universities renew and modernize their facilities." 

This year, as part of the Facilities Renewal Program (FRP), the University of Guelph will collect almost $4.65 million. This funding will continue for the next three years, through to 2022–23, totalling over $15 million. The 2020-21 FRP funding for the University of Guelph represents an increase of more than $1.7 million—almost 58 percent beyond what it was allocated last year.

"Well-maintained facilities and the latest in learning tools and equipment are critical parts of a postsecondary education," said Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities. "The need to invest in the maintenance of existing infrastructure is now balanced with the need to invest in new infrastructure which will be a tremendous boost for local communities looking for much needed economic stimulus on the road to recovery. By investing in postsecondary infrastructure, we are supporting economic recovery, creating jobs and ensuring students obtain the skills they need for the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow."

"The Facilities Renewal Program and the $4.65 million in funding announced today are vital in supporting our ongoing efforts towards providing a modern, accessible and technology-driven campus," said Charlotte Yates, University of Guelph president. "This funding enables us to provide an optimal learning environment for our students, and I want to thank the government for recognizing this important need."