The Ontario government has made more than $460 million available to post-secondary institutions over the next three years for critical maintenance, repairs, upgrades and renewals.

The funding was announced as part of the province’s 2020 budget, and makes the money available in the form of capital grants through the Facilities Renewal Program (FRP).

Colleges and universities can use funds from the FRP towards projects that support the renewal and modernization of campuses. This includes major building systems upgrades, roof repairs, heating and ventilating system upgrades, and mechanical and electrical system upgrades.

$144 million in funding is available in each the first two years of the program, 2020–21 and 2021–22. In the final year, the total rises to $178 million.

"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 investment will allow institutions to address their deferred maintenance backlog, undertake critical repairs, modernize classrooms, upgrade technology and improve their environmental sustainability, while continuing to deliver a safe experience for students.

In addition, institutions may use the investment to pursue renewal of infrastructure campus projects.

"Ontario universities welcome this funding for university infrastructure,” said Steve Orsini, president and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities. “This support helps our institutions continue to provide modern learning environments for students, operate more efficiently and renew our facilities. It will also help address the growing capital needs of our institutions, generate local employment opportunities and drive growth in communities across Ontario."

Established in 1986, the FRP provides annual funding to assist universities and colleges with renewing and modernizing their campuses through the repair, renovation and alteration of existing facilities.