KAWARTHA LAKES-The Ontario government says it is investing $583 million over three years to help colleges and universities provide a modern and safe learning environment for students, faculty and staff, both virtually and on campuses.
Officials say this funding will help institutions modernize classrooms by upgrading technology, carrying out critical repairs, improving their environmental sustainability and supporting virtual learning projects that increase access to postsecondary education for students.
Details were shared today by Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, at Georgian College.
“Ontario’s postsecondary institutions offer world class education, which is critical to the future of the province, and our economy,” said Minister Dunlop. “Our government’s investments to build Ontario will help colleges and universities renew and modernize their facilities and buy vital training equipment so they can continue to deliver high-quality education to students – anytime and anywhere.”
This investment includes:
- $493 million through the Facilities Renewal Program (FRP) to help publicly assisted colleges and universities with the critical maintenance, repairs, upgrades and renewal of existing facilities.
- $60 million through the College Equipment and Renewal Fund (CERF) to help colleges purchase and renew instructional equipment and learning resources.
- $30 million through the new Training Equipment and Renewal Fund (TERF) to help universities purchase and renew modern, state-of-the-art equipment.
To help colleges and universities deliver relevant, high-quality education and training to meet evolving employer needs, some of these investments require institutions to secure matching contributions from a private sector partner according to the province. This support is to help ensure students have access to modern instructional equipment to meet business and industry standards, increase student access to micro-credentials, enhance the overall student experience and support Ontario’s economy
“We’re pleased the province continues to invest in new technology and critical repairs. This helps colleges deliver programs that are at the forefront of the new economy and accelerating innovation.” said Linda Franklin, President and CEO, Colleges Ontario.
