Trades students on the Sunshine Coast can now enjoy an enhanced training experience in new, energy-efficient surroundings thanks to a timely renovation of the trades centre at Vancouver Island University's Powell River campus.

Today's grand opening of Vancouver Island University's Powell River campus coincides with the university's 75th anniversary celebrations.

The trades centre will give students from communities on northern Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast easier access to trades training opportunities. The new building includes computer labs, a library and bookstore.

Vancouver Island University received $976,000 from the provincial and federal governments for this renovation project through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, part of both governments' commitment to repair and expand research and educational facilities at post-secondary institutions.

This was among 39 projects at post-secondary institutions throughout the province that were part of the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a joint federal-provincial investment designed to renew infrastructure at post-secondary institutions across B.C., while also providing local jobs for communities.

Quotes:

John Weston, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country -

"This project will enhance Vancouver Island University's ability to innovate, strengthening Powell River and the people of the community for years to come."

Ralph Nilson, president of Vancouver Island University -

"VIU is committed to providing regional access to higher learning. This project demonstrates that commitment, contributing significantly to the quality of education, the experience of students studying in our programs and to economic development in the region. The economy of the Powell River region is in transition, from a resource-based economy to a more diversified economy."

"Trades programs are an essential component of economic sustainability, as VIU generates opportunities for training and employment with First Nations communities and industry."

Quick facts:

• The new trades centre is 424 square metres and replaces the original out-of-date facility.
• The new trades centre is built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold standards.
• The new facility has increased energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Learn more:

Vancouver Island University: http://www.viu.ca/

Powell River campus: http://www.pr.viu.ca/

Knowledge Infrastructure Program: http://ic.gc.ca/knowledge-infrastructure

A backgrounder follows.

Contacts:

Joanne Whittier
Manager, Communications
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400

Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
613 943-7599

BACKGROUNDER

Oct. 13, 2011 Ministry of Advanced Education

Industry Canada

Knowledge Infrastructure Program

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. In B.C. the federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of the cost of selected projects on a cost-share basis with the Province.

The total investment in these projects is over $520 million including contributions from institutions. The projects are also part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province to create jobs and vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.

Canada's Economic Action Plan set out to stimulate the Canadian economy and to improve our long-term competitiveness through $12 billion in new infrastructure investment, which includes the $2-billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program.

Contacts:

Joanne Whittier
Manager, Communications
Ministry of Advanced Education
250.952.6400

Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
613 943-7599