Advanced Education (News Archive)

2005 News Releases

September 9, 2005

Lakeland College gets $8 million boost to expand facilities at Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses

Province's strong first quarter results frees up dollars for infrastructure

Lloydminster... An injection of $8 million in capital funding from the Alberta government will go towards expanding the facilities in high-demand training areas at Lakeland College's Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses. The funding comes as a result of the province's First-Quarter Fiscal Update on August 29. The college's plans include constructing a new academic wing at the Lloydminster campus and renovating existing facilities at the Vermilion campus.

"Lakeland College does a great job of providing a range of programs to post-secondary students in northern Alberta, and it has a solid vision for the future," said Advanced Education and Technology Minister Dave Hancock. "This capital expansion will help the college move ahead in its plans to help Albertans reach their potential through higher education."

The government will contribute $5 million towards the construction of a new, two-storey academic wing at the Lloydminster campus to accommodate high-demand training programs (science, heavy oil, and health training). The funding will also be used on renovation plans for the existing campus. The renovations and the building of a new academic wing are expected to expand the Lloydminster campus by 3,500 square meters. The community in Lloydminster has committed to raise $2 million for the project.

The government will also provide $3 million for renovations at the college's Vermilion campus, in particular to the veterinary science, and the fire training programs.

"This is an exciting announcement for Lakeland College that not only expands the learning and teaching facilities for students and staff, but also protects and preserves existing infrastructure," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. "This important investment will build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to support Alberta's future growth."

Lakeland College officials are excited about the capital funding announcement and can't wait to get the project started.

"With this expansion, Lakeland College can provide a greater range of educational opportunities to a larger number of people in our region," said Doug Elliott, Chair, Lakeland College Board of Governors. "This is also good news for local businesses and organizations as they will have access to an increased number of trained, skilled graduates ready to enter the workforce."

A total of $614 million has been allocated for Alberta's post-secondary institutions under the 2005-08 Capital Plan, an increase of $145 million since Budget 2005 was announced in April.

Backgrounder

Quick facts - Capital funding for post-secondary institutions

  • The province's 2005-08 capital plan includes $614 million for post-secondary institutions. This includes new funding of $145 million over three years for additional projects, announced on August 29.
  • The funding will also support a number of maintenance projects at post-secondary institutions throughout the province.
  • $30 million of the $145 million is designated for maintenance projects.
  • The Alberta government also identified funding for select infrastructure maintenance projects which address urgent preservation projects throughout the post-secondary system. Projects selected will include those that relate to health and life safety issues, and those necessary to avoid serious program delivery disruption.