MPP Bill Mauro Announces Investment in Campus Improvements and Lab Modernization at Lakehead
(April 11, 2008 - Thunder Bay - ON) Ontario is investing $8.2 million to upgrade and modernize Lakehead University's campus.
Lakehead
will use $2 million to upgrade lab facilities in its Centennial
Science and Engineering Building with modern equipment and technology.
This will give more students the resources they need to excel in
science and engineering and helping them prepare for high-demand
professions.
Nearly $6.2 million more funding will help
Lakehead make upgrades to campus facilities, including improvements to
energy efficiency, campus safety, and other infrastructure renewal
projects.
"Lakehead University has a commitment to being
student-centred," says President Fred Gilbert. "This round of capital
funding investments will benefit our students by way of improving
safety and accessibility, renewing general infrastructure, modernizing
existing facilities, and purchasing new equipment in support of
teaching programs."
The funding is part of the $1.5 billion Skills to Jobs Action Plan included in the 2008 Budget, aimed at
strengthening skills and knowledge as a key to the success of Ontario's
economy.
"Lakehead's students are our future business and
community leaders. By investing in their future, we are investing in
the future of Thunder Bay and our entire region," says Bill Mauro, MPP
for Thunder Bay-Atikokan. "Today's investments will help maintain
Lakehead University's position as a leader in science and engineering
and support the best possible learning environment for its students."
"I
am extremely pleased with our government's ongoing commitment to
Northwestern Ontario students," says Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder
Bay - Superior North. "Investments like those announced today will
help prepare students for careers in high-demand science and
engineering fields while creating new jobs in the region today."
- 30 -
QUICK FACTS
- Lakehead has over 8,000 students and 2,250 faculty and staff.
- Since 2003-2004, Lakehead has received $25.2 million from Ontario to support capital projects, including funding for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
Media. Dr. Gilbert and MPP Bill Mauro are available for media interview. Please contact them at 807-343-8200 and 807-623-9237 respectively.If you have any questions regarding this media release, please contact Heather Scott, Communications Officer, 807-343-8177, commun@lakeheadu.ca; or Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications, 807-343-8372, eabaya@lakeheadu.ca.
About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for
innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in