Students at the University of British Columbia (UBC) will benefit from improved and upgraded campus facilities, thanks to over $2.4 million 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 Vancouver campus. This work will include the replacement of several fire alarm systems and other infrastructure upgrades, such as the installation of primary backflow protection devices to help protect water supplies.

B.C. taxpayers are providing $584 million for UBC's operations this year - including an allowance for general infrastructure maintenance - up from $348.3 million in 2001-02. The number of funded student spaces at UBC has increased 33.9 per cent since 2003-04.

Over $826 million in capital investments have been made at the university, including funding for UBC Renew, a $120-million cost-share initiative between UBC and the Province that renewed 10 buildings; funding for the renovations and expansion of the Museum of Anthropology; and funding for the Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences buildings.

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey -

"We want to ensure students have access to the best learning environment, which is why we've invested over $2 million to improve UBC's safety infrastructure. UBC is a first-class facility, ranked 25th among the world's top universities, and this funding will ensure we provide students with the best opportunity to achieve success."

Pierre Ouillet, VP, finance, resource operations, University of British Columbia -

"We are grateful to the government for its continued investment in post-secondary education infrastructure. The new buildings and upgrades to existing buildings have greatly enhanced the learning environment for our students, as well as provided opportunities to implement leading-edge sustainability technologies that reduce operating costs and are good for the environment."

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:

http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Media Contact:

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