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2005 News Releases

September 17, 2005

Government provides $2.2 million to Medicine Hat College

Funding will go to facility, classroom upgrades

Medicine Hat... A $2.2-million contribution from the Alberta government will enable Medicine Hat College to make building improvements and to upgrade its classrooms.

"This funding will go a long way toward enhancing Medicine Hat College's facilities so the college can continue serving students well. This additional capital funding is part of government's efforts to strengthen the post-secondary system and prepare the system for the years ahead," said Advanced Education and Technology Minister Dave Hancock.

The funding will be used to upgrade two wings of the college's main campus. This work will include repairs to floor slabs, walls, ceilings, doors and windows as well as lighting improvements and classroom upgrades.

"As Medicine Hat College celebrates its 40th anniversary, this is an excellent time to reinvest in the infrastructure that has helped supported student learning for the past four decades," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. "The $2.2 million in funding will help preserve the existing infrastructure and provide needed modernization and upgrades."

The capital dollars for the college come as a result of the province's First Quarter Fiscal Update on August 29. A total of $614 million has been allocated for Alberta's post-secondary institutions under the Government of Alberta's 2005-08 Capital Plan - an increase of $145 million since Budget 2005 was announced in April.

"These improvements are a great way to mark the college's 40th anniversary and to prepare it for another 40 years of providing quality post-secondary programs to Albertans," said Rob Renner, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Medicine Hat MLA.

"Medicine Hat College plays in important role in southeast Alberta's vibrant economy and this investment will help support the future success of the college, its learners and surrounding communities," said Len Mitzel, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat.

Ralph Weeks, President of Medicine Hat College, said: "This grant is pivotal in moving Medicine Hat College to the next level of infrastructure renewal. It will allow us to fast-track the development of outstanding facilities and services to meet the needs of our students."

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 safety issues, and those necessary to avoid serious program delivery disruption.