September 4, 2009 - 6:15am
DUNCAN – Construction is set to begin on Vancouver Island
University’s new $26.6-million Cowichan Place campus in Duncan,
following an official groundbreaking today by provincial, federal and
college officials. The project will create up to 170 direct jobs.
“This is another exciting milestone for Vancouver Island University
as it continues to grow into its new status as a fully accredited
university,” said Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and
Labour Market Development. “This partnership with the federal
government and VIU, demonstrates what can be achieved when we all work
together.”
“Vancouver Island University is an institution committed to
providing excellence in advanced training and education for Vancouver
Island students and those from far off,” said Nanaimo-Alberni MP James
Lunney. “The expanded Cowichan Campus will be a great new platform to
meet the needs of a growing population for years to come.”
The new campus, at over 3,500 square metres, will be located in the
Cowichan Place development and serve students enrolled in university
degree, business, health and human services, trade and applied
technology, career and academic preparation and employability skills
programs.
Cowichan Place is a development that in addition to the new VIU
campus will have facilities operated by the City of Duncan, the
District of North Cowichan, and the Cowichan Valley School District.
The site will be a focal point for education, recreation and culture in
the Cowichan Valley.
“Our government is making record
investments in post-secondary institutions and ensuring we have
learning facilities in all regions so that students are able to stay
closer to home,” said Ron Cantelon, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “Not
only does this reduce the cost of education for students, but it
creates a pool of skilled workers for local communities.”
The Cowichan Place campus is part of the federal government’s
two-year, $2-billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program whose goal is to
repair and expand research and educational facilities at Canadian
post-secondary institutions.
This is one of 40 projects at post-secondary institutions across the
province funded through a joint federal-provincial investment of $497
million. The total investment in these projects is $519 million
including contributions from institutions.
This project is also part of an overall $14-billion capital
infrastructure program supported by the Province that will create up to
88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region
of B.C.
“Both the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada
have sent a strong message of support to the people of the Cowichan
Valley. This new campus signals optimism and hope for the future of the
learners living in this spectacular part of our Province,” said Dr
Ralph Nilson, president and vice-chancellor of VIU. “On behalf of the
Board of Governors at Vancouver Island University, I would like to
thank all of the community members who have supported the Cowichan
Place Project as it has moved forward.”
Canada’s Economic Action Plan sets out to stimulate the Canadian
economy over the next two years and to improve our long-term
competitiveness through $12 billion in new infrastructure investment,
which includes the $2-billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program.
Tags: In the Community
