A major overhaul of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Spruce Building gives future scientists, health professionals and artists more opportunities for creative, hands-on learning that will help jumpstart their careers.

“Students in science, health science and the arts will benefit from the new science labs and exciting arts spaces, including 3D studios and digital arts labs,” said Melanie Mark, B.C.'s Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “The Spruce Building is now one of the most innovative learning spaces in the province. I’m proud to be a part of a government that is investing in students.”

The 27-year-old Spruce Building was officially re-opened by Harry Bains, MLA for Surrey-Newton, on behalf of the minister, and Sukh Dhaliwal, Surrey-Newton MP, on behalf of the federal government.

The renovations and an addition allow space for 300 more students to study at KPU, including in two recently launched programs: bachelor of science degrees in biology and health science.

The Province contributed $14.7 million to the renovation, in addition to $7.3 million from the Government of Canada’s Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund.

“We’re positioning Canada as a global centre for innovation with this once-in-a-generation investment in post-secondary institutions, like Kwantlen Polytechnic University,” said Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. “Projects like this advance our government’s vision to make Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and startup companies into global successes. And by investing in young minds, we’re equipping them with the practical skills training they need to excel in the jobs of today, and to succeed in tomorrow’s economy.”

Quotes:

Alan Davis, president, Kwantlen Polytechnic University –

“Thanks to this investment by the provincial and federal governments, KPU is able to better support its students and meet the needs of growing sectors of the B.C. economy, including the scientific, creative and cultural sectors.”

Sukh Dhaliwal, MP for Surrey-Newton –

“Students in Surrey and across the country are benefiting from investments in innovative and modern educational facilities that will allow them to be part of a globally competitive and thriving Canadian economy.”

Harry Bains, MLA for Surrey-Newton –

“Supporting B.C. students means giving them opportunities to find a place in a thriving B.C. economy. Thanks to this federal and provincial investment, Kwantlen Polytechnic University can open its doors to a better future for students pursuing their education in Surrey.”

Christina Jeyakumar, KPU faculty of science and horticulture student –

“I’m thankful I’m able to pursue a degree in biology here in my neighbourhood in Surrey, and to be able to learn in such a supportive space. I’m excited to know that next year I’ll be stepping out of this building on to a valuable career path.”

Alison Curtis, KPU faculty of arts student –

“The new studios in the Spruce Building are spacious and flexible rooms that give more capacity for artists to work and collaborate in a way that will be really beneficial for our practice. Studying here at KPU will truly prepare me for the future.”

Learn More:

Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website: canada.ca/SIF

Kwantlen Polytechnic University: www.kpu.ca/

A backgrounder follows.