Rye receives $10 million for campus renewal projects

Posted on 04/11/08
Written by Andrea MacLean

Ryerson will receive more than $10 million to renovate parts of campus over the summer, George Smitherman, MPP for Toronto Centre, announced Friday.

The money is part of the Government of Ontario’s three-year, $970 million Building Places to Learn investment. Ontario universities are receiving a total of $200 million to improve the learning environment on campuses.

“Our students are future business and community leaders,” Smitherman said. “And today’s announcement will help ensure they have access to the best education possible at the best facilities. By investing in their future, we are investing in Toronto’s and Ontario’s future.”

The money can be spent on building repairs, renovations, security enhancements and other improvements to the physical campus.

President Sheldon Levy said that the $10 million will be put toward facility renewal projects such as labs, classrooms and student lounges. He said that students should expect to see results quickly.

“The money will be put to use over the summer and students can expect to see results when they come back in September,” he said.

One proposal is to glass in the outside balcony of the Podium building to create a new study space.

“It’s something that’s always been talked about,” he said. Levy described the space as a beautiful, greenhouse-like area that would be appealing to students.

Levy said that the money will not only benefit Ryerson, but the entire community and the province of Ontario.

“We know that providing quality conditions for students and faculty has a direct impact on generating knowledge and research that goes right back to the community,” he said.

Smitherman said that the Government of Ontario is committed to enhancing the capacity of Toronto’s postsecondary schools.

“It’s really important that we be making investments that ensure that Ontario’s future economic prospects are sound. There’s no better investment that can be made in helping to cultivate the skills and develop the minds of people in the province in Ontario,” Smitherman said.

John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities also recognizes the benefit of investing money in postsecondary education.

“Ontario’s skilled and highly educated workforce is a key economic advantage and enhances Ontario’s position as a destination of choice for global investment,” he said.

The University of Toronto has been allocated close to $40 million for campus renewal projects and the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) will receive about $2 million.