Opportunities for students to engage in global dialogue on world issues are part of an enhanced learning environment at Royal Roads University's recently completed Learning and Innovation Centre.

James Lunney, MP for Nanaimo-Alberni and Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education, joined executive, faculty, staff and students to celebrate the official opening of the new centre.

RRU received over $20 million from the provincial and federal governments for this project through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, part of both governments' commitment to repair and expand research and educational facilities at post-secondary institutions.

The new centre will play an ongoing role in training and supporting a skilled workforce for future job opportunities. The building features new technology that supports "virtual classrooms" - a unique interactive learning model to enable students to attend lectures, group meetings and study sessions electronically. It was constructed using innovative green building practices that resulted in 95 per cent of construction waste being diverted from the landfill.

The new Learning and Innovation Centre 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:

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education -

"The Learning and Innovation Centre will ultimately help us meet those needs at this rapidly expanding campus with unique learning educational options."

Allan Cahoon, president and vice-chancellor, Royal Roads University -

"Royal Roads University has led the way with our unique blended learning model of short, intense residencies and online collaborative approach, and the opening of the LIC allows us to take this approach to the next level."

"Not only do we now have more learning space in a state-of-the-art, sustainable facility, by embracing the latest in technology, our students and faculty can reach beyond the classroom, to connect and collaborate globally on real world issues and solutions."

Quick facts:

• Built to LEED Gold standards, with innovative engineering and design elements to maximize the natural flow of hot and cold air, instead of relying on systems that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
• The 5,781 square-metre centre was finished with greener alternatives such as flax-based linoleum flooring and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints on interior surfaces to reduce chemical off-gassing.
• Native plants and trees have been incorporated into the landscaping to reduce use of water, which will come from RRU's innovative water collection system that collects non-potable water for toilets and irrigation - saving up to 1.7 million litres of water per year.
• The centre is the first purpose-built facility to be constructed on the Hatley Park National Historic site since the opening of RRU in 1995.
• In addition to engaging globally, RRU welcomes approximately 100 international students from about 15 countries each year.

Learn more:

Royal Roads University: http://www.royalroads.ca/

Learning and Innovation Centre:

http://sustainability.royalroads.ca/learning-and-innovation-centre

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

Media Contacts:

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

Stephanie Thomas
Special Assistant (Communications)
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
613 960-7728