A six-building renewal and upgrade has set the stage for the University of Victoria's upcoming 50th anniversary, providing an enhanced world-class learning environment for future generations of students.

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education, and Ida Chong, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, joined executive, faculty, staff and students to celebrate completion of the extensive renewal and enhancement project. Campus buildings - including Clearihue, the university's oldest purpose-built academic building - received seismic, safety and system upgrades.

UVic received $42.5 million in combined federal and provincial funding to support the renovations and upgrades, which included multi-building seismic upgrading and enhanced safety equipment, such as new fire alarms and sprinklers to ensure a safe learning and working environment for years to come.

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

Initiatives like KIP aid the success of the BC Jobs Plan and its goal of enabling British Columbians to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful for future careers.

Quotes:

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology -

"These federal investments created jobs for people on Vancouver Island at a critical time, while improving the infrastructure that the University of Victoria will need to maintain its reputation as a research leader."

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education -

"At UVic, local students have access to great education and training options close to home, while students from away are drawn here by the university's reputation, and the great locale and opportunities available."

David Turpin, president, University of

"Thanks to the $42.5-million in Knowledge Infrastructure Project investment by the governments of Canada and British Columbia, UVic was able to upgrade and revitalize many of our aging buildings to provide enhanced and energy-efficient learning environments for our students. While these upgrades were a response to short-term economic needs, the outcome has created long-term benefits for generations to come."

Quick facts:

• The six buildings renewed and upgraded include: Clearihue, Cornett, Cunningham, Elliott, MacLaurin and the University Centre building - all built between 1962 and 1978.
• The KIP project awarded over 85 trade and other contracts involving more than 125 companies over the course of the renovation project.
• UVic's upgrades have resulted in annual energy savings of approximately $180,000 and an annual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 700 tonnes.

Learn more:

University of Victoria: http://www.uvic.ca/

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

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