In an attempt to further stimulate the B.C. economy, the federal government and Victoria are spending more than $455.1 million to upgrade all 25 post-secondary institutions in the province.
The two levels of government announced 29 projects that will create an estimated 3,000 jobs over the next couple years. The federal government, through its two-year knowledge infrastructure program, is investing $231.1 million, while the province is spending $202.3 million; another $21.7 million will be coming from other funding sources.
The largest project is a $64.2 million upgrade of the University of British Columbia's Biological Sciences facilities, which will create advanced research and teaching facilities. Simon Fraser University will receive $49.4 million as part of a phased renewal of the Schrum Science Centre to improve research space and address deferred maintenance needs.
The University of Victoria will also receive $42.5 million to improve several aging buildings that are roughly 40 years old. Six buildings will be renewed and renovated, which will extend the life of the buildings by another 40 years. The project is expected to begin in May.
Other major projects across the province include:
a $39.1 million renewal of the SW1 building and other facilities at BCIT;
a $31.9 million expansion of the library at Thompson Rivers University;
a $27.7 million project to build a new Centre for Green Building Technologies and other campus expansions at Okanagan College;
a $26.7 million project to build a new Cowichan campus at Vancouver Island University; and
a $20 million Innovative Learning Commons at Royal Roads University.
All of B.C.'s colleges will also see new multi-million dollar facilities and upgrades, including a new, $19.8 million trades building at the College of New Caledonia and a new $8.2 million skills development and training facility at North Island College.
As part of the knowledge infrastructure program, all projects must be completed by March 31, 2011.