Thompson Rivers University’s Old Main building, home to one of Canada’s newest law schools, officially reopened today after a $20.2-million revitalization project, announced Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk.

“We are proud to be a partner in Thompson Rivers University’s expansion and revitalization of the Old Main building that will be home to the province’s newest law school,” said Virk. “Students who choose Thompson Rivers University are getting the benefit of a high-quality education in an outstanding venue.”

(flickr.com)

The redesigned facility - its rooflines shaped to reflect the region’s skyline - includes more than 4,135 square metres of new learning space constructed using locally harvested, beetle-killed pine. Additional “green” features include new energy-efficient heating and cooling systems to complement passive solar energy collection, as well as high-value insulation.

“With its evolution into a comprehensive world-class university, Thompson Rivers University continues to be a key engine of growth for Kamloops and the region,” said Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone. “From welding to law, it continues to expand its robust range of education and skills training programs for students who come from B.C., Canada and beyond.”

To minimize disruption to students, faculty and staff, Phase 1 of construction on the building’s shell began offsite in the winter of 2011, and was completed in summer 2012. Phase 2 began in April 2012 on interior upgrades that provided a new home for the law school, lecture space and faculty offices.

“It’s great to see the Old Main building revitalized as a home for the faculty of law,” said Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake. “This means that students in the region can choose to remain near their families as they pursue their post-secondary education, and they are more likely to stay in their communities as they begin their careers.”

Today’s official re-opening of Old Main will be followed on June 14 by the inaugural convocation for TRU Faculty of Law. The 71 graduating law students, their faculty, staff and families will be joined by local, provincial and national lawmakers—including honorary degree recipients, former premier Gordon Campbell and the Honourable Lance Finch, retired chief justice of the British Columbia Court of Appeal.

“This re-invention of Old Main is an important expression of TRU’s vision for the future,” said Thompson Rivers University president Alan Shaver. “TRU’s first graduating class of law students and each subsequent graduate will carry a tremendous sense of this place with them as they move forward with their careers.”

The cost of expanded and revitalization the Old Main building was $20.2 million, of which the Province contributed $7.4-million.

Old Main has been an anchor building of TRU’s Kamloops campus since 1971, as part of the former Cariboo College. Like other buildings on TRU’s Kamloops campus, it has been redesigned to make use of passive solar energy by harvesting sunlight as well as using high R-rated insulation to keep the building energy efficient.

The revitalization of the Old Main building is important to ongoing growth and development of TRU, including providing a home for the faculty of law, one of the newest law schools in Canada.

Media Contacts:

Rodney Porter
Communications Director
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 889-7494

Diana Skoglund
Media Relations and Communications Manager
Thompson Rivers University
250 371-5897