PARRY SOUND, Ontario, January 15, 2010 —The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka and Canadore College President and CEO Barbara Taylor, today celebrated the groundbreaking for a new Parry Sound campus. The project received federal and provincial funding totalling $6.2 million through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program and Ontario’s 2009 Budget.
The new 15,000 square foot campus will increase access to a range of programs including skilled trades, health sciences and hospitality and tourism that regional employers have identified as essential to the area’s economic sustainability. This new campus will allow the college to double its enrolment by the 2011 fall semester.
In total, the governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $1.5 billion in 49 projects at Ontario’s colleges and universities, through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) and the Ontario 2009 Budget.
“Through the renewal of college and university facilities, our researchers will have the tools they need to be global leaders in their fields and pursue world-class excellence,” said Minister Clement. “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 Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a two-year, $2 billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions is part of the $12 billion in new infrastructure investment allocated under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The program is providing real economic stimulus and employment by creating local jobs for engineers, architects, trades people and technicians.
It is also helping to generate the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canada’s research and educational facilities at the forefront of scientific advancement.
“By investing in Canadore College, we are investing in today’s students, providing them with the facilities to train for tomorrow’s jobs,” said Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities John Milloy. “Our investment will help create jobs in the District of Parry Sound at a time when its families are coping with the effects of a global economic recession.”
The Government of Ontario, in its 2009 budget – Confronting the Challenge: Building Ontario’s Economic Future, committed to investing in infrastructure and designated $780 million to colleges and universities to modernize facilities and boost long-term research and skills training capacity over the next two years.
“We are very excited to be moving ahead with our new campus in Parry Sound as it will enable us to meet the growing needs of the region for college diploma and apprenticeship training,” said Canadore College president Barbara Taylor. “Due to the support of both the federal and provincial governments we are able to respond to the training needs clearly articulated by the regional municipalities and First Nations. Thanks to Minister Clement and the federal government for funding of $3.1 million; the province of Ontario for funding of $3.1 million; the Town of Parry Sound which is providing the site; the members of our West Parry Sound Community Advisory Committee and the Canadore Board of Governors who developed and supported the vision of a new campus and all of the Canadore employees who worked so hard to make that vision a reality.”
For more information about the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, including program criteria, application instructions and a list of the approved projects to date, please visit www.ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure.
For information about how the Government of Ontario is helping to build and revitalize infrastructure across the province, please visit www.mei.gov.on.ca/en/infrastructure/.
