Newswise — Thanks to a $21.8-million infrastructure investment by the federal and Saskatchewan governments announced today, a major expansion and renovation of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will be completed and 47 buildings across campus that are critical for research and teaching will have their leak-prone roofs replaced.
"These much-needed investments are a major contribution toward our efforts to create a world-class research and learning environment for both students and faculty that will advance discovery and innovation in Canada," said University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon.
"In particular, I would like to thank both governments for helping to ensure that the WCVM plays a leading role in animal and public health and food safety, not just in the four Western provinces but on national and international levels. These upgraded facilities and new technologies will enable the college to train, attract and retain high-quality veterinarians, researchers and graduate students who will in turn advance our unique U of S life sciences research and training cluster."
The U of S will receive $9.06 million to renovate the WCVM diagnostic lab -- the final phase of a much larger infrastructure renewal plan begun in 2004. The lab is key to diagnosing diseases such as avian influenza. This renovation will ensure that Saskatchewan producers, veterinarians, and researchers have access to up-to-date animal diagnostic services meeting the highest biosafety standards. Construction is expected to start this summer, with project completion slated for December of 2010.
The U of S will receive $12.7 million for roof renewal, one of the most critical priorities on the university's list of maintenance projects that have had to be deferred for years due to lack of funding. In addition, the U of S will also contribute more than $1.12 million.
Roof leaks and failures can disrupt, impair or even destroy research and training programs. New roofing with higher insulation values will result in energy savings and a reduction in greenhouse emissions through reduced heat loss and cooling requirements.
The U of S projects are part of a $118-million package of initiatives announced jointly today by the federal and provincial governments under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) of the federal Economic Action Plan. The package is expected to create more than 7,000 jobs.
In announcing the $57-million federal contribution, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz said, "The government is making strategic investments to make sure Saskatchewan weathers the current economic uncertainty and comes out stronger than ever."
Saskatchewan Advanced Education Minister Rob Norris, whose government is contributing more than $55 million, said, "Our government's investment will enable our post-secondary institutions to build, maintain and renew the infrastructure Saskatchewan needs to be a national leader in post-secondary education and training, research and development, innovation, and the knowledge economy."
The KIP projects are expected to create as many as 35,000 jobs across Canada in immediate construction, project management and renovation jobs in more than 80 communities that have a university presence.
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