|
 Provincial and Federal Government Leaders Celebrate Opening of $20.7 Million Module D at the Life and Health Sciences Building at Trent UniversityPeterborough, Ontario, November 10, 2011 - Dean Del Mastro, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Peterborough, along with Jeff Leal, Chief Government Whip and MPP for Peterborough, were at Trent University in Peterborough today to officially open Module D of the Life and Health Sciences Facility. The project received a Government of Canada investment of $10.8 million through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) and a matching contribution of $9.9 million from the Ontario government through the 2009 Budget. The project was completed on time and on budget. In Ontario, the Knowledge Infrastructure Program represents a total investment of $2.3 billion to improve infrastructure at postsecondary institutions. The federal government is investing $799 million in 56 KIP projects, while the Province of Ontario is providing $981 million toward 49 of those projects. Other partners are contributing an additional $569 million. Also, the Province is providing $75 million for another eight projects. "Our government's investment in post-secondary infrastructure has given Trent University's students and researchers the facilities they need to be global leaders in their fields," said MP Dean Del Mastro. "This project will allow Trent University to strengthen its capacity and build on its reputation as a leading institution of higher learning." "The Government of Ontario is pleased to partner with Trent University to complete this economic stimulus project that created an additional 150 jobs and adds another module to the Life and Health Sciences Facility," said Jeff Leal, MPP, Peterborough. "Ontario's contribution of $9.9 million for the new home for Biology builds on the $9.8 million we invested in Module C, which opened in 2010. On behalf of the province we would like to congratulate Trent for completing this project on time and on budget." "The addition of Module D to the Life and Health Sciences building will serve as a platform for Trent University to continue to build out its reputation for delivering high quality educational programs to students pursuing studies in the growing life and health sciences disciplines," said Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor. "This teaching and research facility provides a new home for Trent's Biology department and animal care facility, and is physically connected to other academic departments within the Life and Health Sciences Building. Trent is very grateful to its federal and provincial funding partners for their generous support of this project." Module D includes an additional 216 new student spaces including 12 fully-serviced research labs plus research utility space and teaching support areas. The facility includes six fully-serviced, 36-seat teaching science labs as well as a new imaging suite and three environmental chambers, all which aim to improve the use of existing research and development space and increase capacity to train students in advanced knowledge areas. The 50,000 square foot addition includes a 12,500 square foot, federally compliant animal care facility that is incorporated into the building. It is anticipated that the new building will receive an official Gold LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), in recognition its sustainable and environmentally friendly design and construction. As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada introduced the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a $2-billion economic stimulus measure to maintain and improve research and training facilities at Canadian universities, colleges and CEGEPs. The program is providing economic stimulus, creating jobs, and generating the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canadian institutions at the forefront of scientific advancement and ensure economic growth in the future. The Government of Ontario is investing more than $1 billion in infrastructure at colleges and universities to modernize facilities and boost long-term research and skills training capacity. Support for KIP projects are part of the Ontario government's plan to help every student succeed and build a knowledge-based economy for the future. For more information on the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, visit the Knowledge Infrastructure Program website. For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit the Canada's Economic Action Plan website. For information about how the Government of Ontario is helping to build and revitalize infrastructure across the province, please visit: www.infrastructureapp.mei.gov.on.ca/en. Learn more about Putting Students First: Ontario's Plan for Postsecondary Education, a plan to ensure all qualified Ontario students have access to the high-quality, affordable training and education they need to succeed in the modern world. - 30 - For further information (media only), please contact: Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities: |
