The Saskatchewan government has announced $17 million in funding for construction projects at post-secondary institutions in Regina, Moose Jaw, and Saskatoon as part of the recently announced two-year stimulus package totalling $7.5 billion in capital.
The funding will be invested in physical infrastructure upgrades, with construction expected to begin this year and be completed by the spring of 2022.
“An investment in physical infrastructure pays off in two ways,” said Advanced Education Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor in a press release. “By upgrading bricks and mortar, we safeguard our public institutions for the long term and provide much-needed construction jobs over the short term. More people working puts more money back into our economy and generates lasting benefits for the community.”
The Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus in Moose Jaw will receive $12 million for renovations in several parts of campus, including facilities that house the construction, electrical, welding, automotive, and civil water programs.
The upgrades to Moose Jaw’s campus are expected to increase usability and improve safety for students, faculty, and staff.
The University of Regina will also receive $2.5 million to replace the roof on the College of Kinesiology, which will prevent further damage to the floors in the building and improve usability for both students and the stroke and Multiple Sclerosis research being done in the building.
The University of Saskatchewan will receive $3.1 million for field and lighting upgrades at Griffiths Stadium. The field will be expanded to accommodate soccer and rugby in addition to the football program, and energy-efficient lighting and new turf will be installed to ensure safety standards for athletes.
“As we re-open Saskatchewan and emerge from the pandemic, it is important to look to the future,” said Beaudry-Mellor. “These projects increase our post-secondary capabilities and reinforce our commitment to students’ safety and wellbeing in both academic and athletic pursuits.”
