Students at Camosun College will benefit from improved and upgraded campus facilities, thanks to $1.3 million in capital funding that is part of government's investment in B.C.'s post-secondary infrastructure this year.

The upgrade work will launch a renewal and restoration process for the Young Building, which began life as Victoria Normal School in 1915. The facility was converted to a military hospital during the Second World War, and was then home to Victoria College before becoming Camosun in 1970. Approximately $700,000 will be used for campus capital upkeep that will enhance and improve current learning space and equipment for students.

The college and government also announced today how $402,200 in one-time funding - http://ow.ly/dbutB - will be used to offer short-term training in the region. The college is creating seats in a variety of health-care and skilled-trades related fields over the coming year, including an access to a trades program, a network technician program, shipbuilding and repair training, and a health-care assistant program.

B.C. taxpayers are providing over $52 million for Camosun's operations this year - including an allowance for general infrastructure maintenance - up from $39 million in 2001-02. The number of funded student spaces at the college has increased 10 per cent since 2003-04.

Almost $15 million in capital investments have been made at the college since 2001, including funding for renovation and improvements to the Lansdowne and Interurban campuses, and construction of the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head -

"Our support for Camosun College recognizes that it is a vital part of our region, ensuring our citizens will continue to have access to training and education opportunities they will need to meet the demands of employers and be successful now - and in the future."

Kathryn Laurin, president, Camosun College -

"Camosun has two busy campuses which serve students in over 160 programs. We are pleased that government's investment in capital ensures a vibrant learning environment that supports our learners."

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
250 952-6400