THUNDER BAY, ON, - April 11, 2008 - Bill Mauro and Michael Gravelle, Announce that Ontario is investing $8.2 million to upgrade and modernize Lakehead University’s campus. Lakehead will use $2 million to upgrade lab facilities in their Centennial Science and Engineering Building with modern equipment and technology. This will give more students the resources they need to excel in science and engineering and helping them prepare for high-demand professions.
Nearly $6.2 million more funding will help Lakehead with upgrades to campus facilities, including improvements to energy efficiency, campus safety and other infrastructure renewal projects.
The funding is part of the $1.5-billion Skills to Jobs Action Plan included in the 2008 Budget aimed at strengthening skills and knowledge as a key to the success of Ontario’s economy.
QUOTES
“Lakehead’s students are our future business and community leaders. By investing in their future, we are investing in the future of Thunder Bay and our entire region,” said Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan. “Today’s investments will help maintain Lakehead University’s position as a leader in science and engineering and support the best possible learning environment for its students.”
“I am extremely pleased with our government’s ongoing commitment to Northwestern Ontario students,” said Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North. “Investment’s like those announced today will help prepare students for careers in high-demand science and engineering fields while creating new jobs in the region today.”
“Lakehead University has a commitment to being student-centred,” said President Fred Gilbert. “This round of capital funding investments will benefit our students by way of improving safety and accessibility, renewing general infrastructure, modernizing existing facilities, and purchasing new equipment in support of teaching programs.”
QUICK FACTS
§ Lakehead has over 7,700 students and 2,250 faculty and staff.
§ Since 2003-04 Lakehead has received $25.2 million from Ontario to support capital projects, including funding for the Northern Ontario Medical School.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about ReNew Ontario, Ontario’s five-year infrastructure investment plan.