Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong welcomed an announcement recently that will see over $137-million in funding delivered to two area post-secondary institutions.
The University of Guelph and Conestoga College will receive the funds through a joint undertaking of the federal and provincial governments. The federal allotment forms part of the federal government’s two-year Knowledge and Infrastructure Plan, which will channel $1.5-billion into infrastructure projects at universities and colleges in Ontario alone.
With many area residents either employed by, or pursuing studies at the two schools, that money will also benefit the residents of neighbouring communities.
“The University of Guelph and Conestoga College are major institutions in the region, and this announcement will provide benefits for residents outside the immediate areas of Guelph and Kitchener,” said Chong. He added, “Wellington-Halton Hills residents will be able to take advantage of the employment and educational opportunities created by this funding.”
Apart from the plan’s economic benefits, Chong also noted that the funding is designed to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as improving waste management on university and college campuses.
“The plan reaffirms our government’s commitment to improving our communities by growing local economies and enhancing environmentally-sustainable practices” Chong added.
The funding for the university will build an environmental cluster. The new cluster will further Canada’s leadership in environmental research and teaching, with an emphasis on environmental sciences and technologies, as well as natural resources and energy, as priority research areas.
The funding for Conestoga College will build and add to the School of Engineering and Information Technology. That will allow increased enrollment and significant new programming. The new site will also feature the Institute of Food Processing Technologies, a partnership being undertaken with the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors.
The plan is part of Canada’s economic action plan, and is designed to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, trades people and technicians.
