Construction Begins On $42.5-Million Upgrades At UVic

Government of Canada and Government of British Columbia News Release

VICTORIA – Gary Lunn, MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands and Minister of State for Sport, and Ida Chong, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head and Minister of Healthy Living and Sport, joined University of Victoria representatives to mark the official start of $42.5-million in renovations to six buildings on the UVic campus.

“Through the renewal of outstanding institutions like the University of Victoria, our researchers will have the tools they need to be global leaders in their fields and pursue world-class excellence,” said Lunn, “Attracting and retaining workers who drive innovation and growth in the global knowledge economy strengthens Canada’s position as a world leader in science and technology to the benefit of all Canadians.”

The $42.5-million investment by the federal and provincial governments will upgrade the Clearihue, Cunningham, Elliot, MacLaurin, Cornett and University Centre buildings, all constructed between 1962 and 1978.

“The University of Victoria is a world-class institution of higher learning, research and innovation of which people in the Capital Region can be proud," said Chong. "This investment supports our government's commitment to post-secondary education, investing in job creation to help British Columbia weather the economic downturn, and improving energy efficiency at the University."

Renovations to the buildings include seismic upgrading, enhancement of fire alarms and installation of sprinkler systems, resulting in students, staff and faculty having a safer place to learn and work. The Cunningham Building will also have mechanical system upgrades done that will significantly reduce the university’s annual heating costs.

In total, these projects are expected to reduce annual energy costs by $180,000 and reduce Co2 emissions by 700 tonnes per year, the equivalent of taking 134 cars off the road.

“The University of Victoria is very grateful for the benefits we are gaining from the joint federal-provincial stimulus package to support research and teaching infrastructure enhancement at Canadian institutions,” said Dr. David Turpin, president and vice-chancellor of UVic. “By renovating existing buildings, students, faculty and staff experience safer, more energy-efficient buildings right away, and the new jobs the program creates in the design, construction and trade sectors provide a welcome economic stimulus to the community.”

The renovations will create up to 272 direct jobs by employing six local architectural firms, 21 sub-consulting engineering firms and 34 subcontractors and companies. The buildings are expected to be completed by the spring of 2011.

“Our government recognizes the importance of post-secondary education in securing future prosperity, that’s why we are investing in campus infrastructure as part of our economic stimulus plan,” said Murray Coell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands and Minister of Labour. “Renewing aging buildings at UVic helps to ensure the university will continue to make invaluable contributions to the community and the Province.”

This is one of 40 projects at post-secondary institutions across the province funded through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a joint federal-provincial investment of $497 million. The total investment in these projects is $519 million, including contributions from institutions.

This project is also part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan sets out to stimulate the Canadian economy over the next two years and to improve our long-term competitiveness through $12 billion in new infrastructure investment, which includes the $2-billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program.

For more information on the provincial government’s three-year job creation plan, visit www.gov.bc.ca/infrastructure.

For more information about the federal Knowledge Infrastructure Program visit www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure.
 

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