Students at Thompson Rivers University's law school will enjoy new, state-of-the-art lecture spaces and upgraded facilities through a provincial investment of up to $7.4 million.

TRU's faculty of law, which welcomed its first students just one year ago, has been housed in temporary quarters while the Old Main building was undergoing an extensive expansion and refurbishment. Phase 1, which included extensive rebuilding of the exterior envelope, is near completion.

Provincial funding is contingent upon approval of TRU's business case. The provincial government's investment will accelerate planned interior upgrades (Phase 2), with completion expected in fall 2013, and include more lecture space, faculty offices and common space.

The re-designed building will be built to LEED certification standards using local beetle-killed pine, along with energy-efficient heating and cooling systems that include passive solar energy collection and high-value insulation.

Once the faculty of law is relocated, TRU expects to use the existing building for educating students and its continued efforts enhancing internationalization on campus, a key element in the BC Jobs Plan.

TRU law students and faculty were joined by other stakeholders, including construction workers, for the announcement. The project is expected to continue to be one of the largest construction projects in Kamloops, creating ongoing jobs for local families and other economic benefits.

Quotes:

John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology -

"Old Main is an important part of TRU's campus, and this expansion and rebuilding project is another important step forward in the ongoing development of the university and the services it offers to students. I know that when it's complete, the building will provide a place for students to have an outstanding educational experience at TRU, and will enable them to secure fulfilling careers."

Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson -

"By investing in this project, we are helping to provide jobs for local workers. The refurbishment of Old Main will create a lasting legacy of needed infrastructure to benefit not only TRU and the students who choose to attend the law school, but it will also benefit the region and families who live here."

Kevin Krueger, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson -

"This institution has been a vital part of Kamloops and the Thompson Valleys for many years. When students have access to great educational choices close to their homes and families, there are significant financial savings and they can remain supported by their community network of friends, professionals, and loved ones.

"Our government has enhanced the likelihood that post-secondary professional grads will continue to live in small towns and cities, and rural areas, if they remain in these environments throughout their training. This is why we have opened medical schools in Prince George and Kelowna, and TRU Law right here in Kamloops."

"I am thrilled at the renewal TRU Law has brought to TRU's oldest building, and we all keenly look forward to the careers of the brilliant young people who will study law in this beautiful new facility."

Alan Shaver, president and vice-chancellor, Thompson Rivers University -

"With the support of government, Thompson Rivers University will complete this project without delay. This government's commitment to finishing the project gives a permanent home to our Faculty of Law, and allows us to expand in other areas of priority such as internationalization."

Quick facts:

• TRU's Old Main has been at the centre of the campus since 1971 - before the university existed.

• The revitalization of Old Main will include about 3,715 square metres (40,000 square feet) of new learning space.

Learn More:

Thompson Rivers University law school: www.tru.ca/law.html

Media Contact:

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