Students at the College of the Rockies will benefit this fall from improved and upgraded campus facilities. This is thanks to over $936,000 in capital funding that is part of government's investment in B.C.'s post-secondary infrastructure this year.

The upgrade work will ensure campus infrastructure and operational systems are performing at optimal levels at the Cranbrook Gold Creek campus. This work will also include the replacement of the carpentry trades building's roof at the Cranbrook main campus, which will incorporate a "Low E" roof coating which will increase light reflectance, keep the space cooler and decrease utility consumption.

The college and government also announced today how more than $612,000 in one-time program funding - http://bit.ly/J0ohjR - will be used to offer short-term training in the region. The college expects to create seats in a variety of fields over the coming year, including office administration and hospitality, along with introductions to trades-related careers in fields such as carpentry, horticulture and mining.

B.C. taxpayers are providing $18 million for College of the Rockies' operations this year - including an allowance for general infrastructure maintenance - up from $13.3 million in 2001-02. The number of funded student spaces at the college has increased 27.4 per cent since 2003-04.

Almost $25 million in capital investments have been made at the college since 2001, including expansion of Kootenay Centre and renovation of the campus' front entrance, expansion of academic and trades buildings, and purchase of the Gold Creek campus.

Bill Bennett, MLA for Kootenay East -

"This investment in College of the Rockies (COTR) is part of a long-term, continuing commitment by our government to sustain a centre of excellence in the East Kootenay that will send students out into the world equipped to meet the changing demands of the work place. In my 12 years as MLA, this long-term commitment has meant a total investment of more than $35 million in COTR. Congratulations to the college, to president Rubidge and to the many students who will benefit."

Nicholas Rubidge, president, College of the Rockies -

"We are very appreciative of the government's continuing confidence in, and support of, College of the Rockies and our seven campuses located throughout our region."

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 (bcjobsplan.ca)

Media Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400