February 17, 2005
PRINCE GEORGE - The BC Liberal government will provide $31.8 million to create a new teaching and learning centre and more library space at the University of Northern British Columbia, providing top-notch learning environments for students.
“One of the goals we have set for B.C. over the next decade is to have the best educated population in North America, and investing in the future of UNBC is critical to achieving that goal, “ commented Premier Gordon Campbell. “B.C.’s strong economy needs more university graduates, and that same economic strength makes it possible for the Province to invest in providing more space and improved facilities at our universities. Combined with our commitment to limit tuition fee increases and to add 600 new seats at UNBC, this investment will further improve access to UNBC’s excellent programs for young people from across the province.”
Included the announcement is:
- $29 million for a new teaching and learning centre that will house teaching and research labs, faculty offices, study and amenity spaces.
- $2.8 million to update and expand the existing Geoffrey Weller Library.
The funding for UNBC is part of the BC Liberal government's throne speech commitment to invest $800 million in capital projects at B.C. universities and colleges over the next three years.
“The University of Northern British Columbia has become a focal point in the economic and social development of the North, and the excellent education the university is providing is attracting growing numbers of students from the region as well as from other parts of B.C., Canada and around the world,” said Advanced Education Minister Ida Chong. “This expansion will allow UNBC to continue to grow and its students to be successful.”
Construction of the teaching and learning centre is expected to begin this summer, with a target date for completion of November 2006 and occupancy in January 2007. Renovations to the library will begin later this month with phase one completed by the end of April.
Funding for the renovations to the Geoffrey Weller Library and construction of the new teaching and learning centre comes from the Ministry of Advanced Education’s 2004-05 capital budget.
