Province commits more than $200M to publicly assisted colleges and universities
The Ontario government has committed more than $200 million in spending to help modernize facilities, learning tools and equipment for the province’s publicly assisted colleges and universities.
“It is essential that our colleges and universities have the latest learning tools and equipment so students can get the skills they need for the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “As part of our government’s plan to build Ontario, this investment will help institutions renew and modernize their facilities and allow them to continually improve the learning experience for students.”
The total investment includes:
- $171 million through the Facilities Renewal Program to help with the critical maintenance, repairs, upgrades and renewal of existing facilities
- $20 million through the College Equipment and Renewal Fund to help colleges buy and renew instructional equipment and learning resources
- $10 million through the Training Equipment and Renewal Fund to help universities renew and buy modern, state-of-the-art equipment and learning resources.
Colleges and universities can use the funding for projects that support the renewal and modernization of campuses including major building systems upgrades, heating and ventilating system upgrades, and mechanical and electrical system upgrades.
The funds can also be used to buy instructional equipment and materials, such as new computers and software for teaching purposes, specialized equipment, or machinery for use in labs and classrooms, and tools for shops.
For example, Brock University has used the funding to create a design studio and collaborative space to support expanded engineering programs and Mohawk College established an electric vehicle and automotive innovation lab.
"Colleges Ontario welcomes new investments from the provincial government to Ontario’s public college sector, including the Facilities Renewal Program and College Equipment and Renewal Fund,” said President and CEO Marketa Evans. “These investments are necessary and help ensure our public college students continue to have the space and training tools to become the health care workers and skilled trades personnel that Ontario needs."
The investment ensures students, including those in micro-credential programs, have access to the latest instructional equipment to meet business and industry standards.
Part of this investment requires postsecondary institutions to receive matching contributions from a private sector partner to help deliver the high-quality education and training to meet needs of employers.