Langara College students, staff and faculty are enjoying an improved learning and working environment after two ventilation fan upgrades, made possible through a $1.5 million investment by the federal and B.C. governments.

The replaced fans were 1970s-era, energy-intensive ventilation systems that were reaching the end of their useful life. The new fan systems will improve occupant comfort and decrease operating costs for a building that houses 60% of Langara’s teaching classrooms and 100% of lab spaces for its arts, business, humanities and social science programs.

Of the $2.2-million total project cost, $1 million was provided through the Government of Canada’s Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, and $584,000 was provided by the Province of British Columbia. Langara College contributed an additional $610,000.

Investments through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund are being used to modernize research facilities at Canadian universities and colleges, as well as improve the energy efficiency of these facilities and reduce their impact on the environment. As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country’s best research.

They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for – and invent – the high-value jobs of the future. Their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

In total, British Columbia received $256 million through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund. Twenty public post-secondary institutions and one private First Nation institution in B.C. are benefiting from a total of 30 individual projects throughout the province.

Quotes:

The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, federal Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South –

“This historic investment by the Government of Canada is a down payment on the government’s vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and startup companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive.”

Melanie Mark, B.C. Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training – 

“We’re helping students fulfil their potential by investing in upgrades to learning spaces to ensure students have the right conditions to succeed. The new ventilation system at Langara College will not only improve everyday life for students, faculty and staff, it is more energy efficient – lowering costs and reducing Langara’s environmental footprint.”

George Chow, MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview –

“These new fans are going to improve the air quality for everyone who studies and works in this building. This investment in critical learning infrastructure, and many other investments like it, are benefiting students, faculty and staff throughout the province.”

Lane Trotter, president and CEO, Langara College –

“The substantial investment from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia have allowed us to accelerate our commitments to sustainability on campus. In fact, with the completion of this project, we have already met our 2020 target of reducing 2007 greenhouse gas emission levels by 33%.”

Quick Facts:

• The Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan is designed to ensure Canada is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the startup phase to international success.
• The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada, and help Canada’s universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
• The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada’s climate-change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
• Over 900,000 job openings for in-demand occupations in the trades or professional sector are expected in B.C. by 2027, and eight out of 10 of these openings will require post-secondary education.