Students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Richmond campus are enjoying an extended library collection and services, thanks to an expansion that has optimized the facility and improved accessibility for users.

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and MP for Richmond, along with Rob Howard, MLA for Richmond Centre; Linda Reid, MLA for Richmond East; and John Yap, MLA for Richmond-Steveston; joined executive, faculty, staff and students to celebrate completion of the library.

Kwantlen received $1.2 million in combined federal and provincial funding to support renovation and expansion of the library. Improvements to the building provided more space for reading and research materials - enabling them to be housed on campus - and improved the learning environment for students.

This 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 throughout B.C., while also providing local jobs for communities.

Today's celebration marks completion of Kwantlen's third and final KIP project. The Langley campus celebrated completion a student gathering place in its west wing in October 2011. On the Surrey campus, buildings were upgraded with an exterior system designed to prevent water penetration, increase energy efficiency and improve the indoor climate for students, while reducing annual maintenance costs.

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 Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and MP for

"Our government's investment in post-secondary infrastructure has given Kwantlen Polytechnic University's students and researchers the facilities they need to be global leaders in their fields. This project will allow Kwantlen to strengthen its capacity and build on its reputation as a leading institution of higher learning."

Rob Howard, MLA for Richmond Centre -

"It's exciting to see the expansion and improvements to the library that will help ensure Kwantlen students and faculty have on-site access to a large collection of reference materials. The library expansion benefits our community by providing more choices for post-secondary education at a polytechnic university close to home."

John McKendry, acting president, Kwantlen Polytechnic University -

"The Knowledge Infrastructure Program funding allowed us at Kwantlen to renovate and expand the library at our Richmond campus. This created a larger, more vibrant, student-friendly space to better provide for the needs of our students in a Polytechnic University environment. On behalf of the entire Kwantlen community, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community and our government partners for their investment in continued excellence at Kwantlen Polytechnic University."

Quick facts:

• The expansion and renovation included the learning centre, computer lab and study rooms, as well as increased collection space and employee work areas.

• Project under review to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standards.

• The Richmond campus serves over 5,900 students.

Learn more:

• Kwantlen Polytechnic University: http://www.kwantlen.ca/home.html

• 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