Students at the University of the Fraser Valley will benefit from improved and upgraded campus facilities, thanks to $2.4 million in capital funding that is part of government's investment in B.C.'s post-secondary infrastructure this year.

The upgrade work, which will take place at UFV's Chilliwack and Abbotsford campuses, will ensure campus infrastructure and operational systems are performing at optimal levels. In addition, the roof of the trades and technology building at the Chilliwack campus will be replaced this summer.

The university and government also announced today how $457,000 in one-time funding - http://ow.ly/dbutB - will be used to offer short-term training in the region. UFV expects to create up to 44 seats in a variety of trades-related fields over the coming year, including welding and skills upgrade programs that will focus on trades and agriculture.

B.C. taxpayers are providing over $55 million for UFV's operations this year - including an allowance for general infrastructure maintenance - up from $35 million in 2001-02. The number of funded student spaces at the university has increased 35 per cent since 2003-04.

Over $66 million in capital investments have been made at UFV since 2001, including over $43 million for land acquisition and building construction and renovation at the Chilliwack campus and nearly $20 million for renovations at the Abbotsford campus.

Quotes:

John Les, MLA for

"The University of the Fraser Valley plays a tremendous role in our community, and our government's support helps ensure their students have the facilities and infrastructure they need to succeed."

Mark Evered, president and vice-chancellor, University of the Fraser Valley -

"We are pleased to receive this support for our students and our community. Our reputation for quality education right here in the Fraser Valley continues to drive student demand that exceeds our capacity. This funding is an investment not just in our students but in the communities they will serve."

Funding for B.C. post-secondary institutions:

• $23.7 billion - amount of money invested in post-secondary education in B.C. since 2001.
• 57 per cent - the increase in total operating funding since 2001 across the university sector, along with a 26 per cent increase in total operating funding for the college and institute sector since 2001.
• $1.9 billion - the amount invested in support of post-secondary education this year.
• $10,090 - amount per full-time student funded by the provincial government, up from $8,440 in 2001-02.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Media Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology 250 952-6400