Province funds Repairs & Upgrades at Durham College

 Investment will help create safe learning environment and prepare students for in-demand jobs 

 December 17, 2020 

OSHAWA — The Ontario government is investing $3,736,800 in capital funding to help Durham College address their deferred maintenance backlog, undertake critical repairs and upgrades, and provide a modern and safe learning environment for students, faculty and staff. 

“Well-maintained facilities and the latest in learning tools and equipment are part of a high-quality education,” said Lindsey Park, MPP Durham. “By investing in postsecondary infrastructure, our government is also contributing to local jobs and Durham’s economic recovery.” 

As part of the Facilities Renewal Program (FRP), the province is providing $2,751,900 to Durham College in capital funding to address the ongoing need for maintenance, repair, renovation and modernization of its existing facilities. The 2020-21 FRP funding represents an increase of more than $1.7 million for Durham College over and above last year. 

As part of the College Equipment and Renewal Fund (CERF), the government is also providing $984,900 in capital funding to help Durham College purchase and renew instructional equipment and learning resources. For 2020-21, CERF funding can also be used to purchase equipment to support student virtual learning during COVID-19. 

“The first-class education students receive at our postsecondary institutions is critical to the future of Ontario, our economy, and the prosperity of our people, said Minister Romano. “That is why our government is committed to providing annual funding that will help our colleges and universities renew and modernize their facilities.” 

“This funding will help institutions like Durham College continue to provide modern learning environments for students, operate more efficiently, and renew their facilities,” said Whitby MPP Lorne Coe. “It will also address the growing capital needs of Ontario institutions, generate local employment opportunities, and drive growth in communities across the Province.” 

“Investment in infrastructure is always appreciated and helps us address a backlog of maintenance for our buildings on campus,” says Don Lovisa, President, Durham College. “Maintaining up-to-date standards for campus facilities ensures students have the best possible learning space, which is important to continue as we look beyond 2020 and eventually return to in class training.” 

“Ensuring a modern and sustainable environment for postsecondary students in Pickering-Uxbridge and across Durham Region remains a key priority for the Province in order to support colleges and universities that have been impacted by COVID 19,” said MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy. “Durham college can use funds from the College Equipment and Renewal Fund to invest in equipment that increases students’ virtual access to postsecondary education programs to prepare them for the skills needed for the in-demand jobs of the future to be leaders of our future,” stated Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. 

“This new funding for Durham College will allow them to keep up to date on maintenance, such as modernizing classrooms for a top-notch student experience, upgrading technology, and improving their environmental sustainability, while continuing to deliver a safe experience for students as they return to campus.” Said Rod Phillips, MPP for Ajax. 

QUICK FACTS 

  • As announced in the 2020 Ontario Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover, the Ontario government is making an investment in critical maintenance, repairs, upgrades and renewals of $466 million in capital grants over three years starting in 2020-21 for Ontario’s universities and colleges. This investment under the Facilities Renewal Program (FRP) includes: 
    • $144 million in 2020-21, an increase of $73 million over last year, 
    • $144 million in 2021-22, and 
    • $178 million in 2022-23. 
  • In addition to the $144 million investment in FRP funding for 2020-21, the Ontario government is investing $20 million through the College Equipment and Renewal Fund (CERF) to help Ontario colleges purchase and renew instructional equipment and learning resources. 
  • Established in 1986, the FRP provides annual funding to assist universities and colleges with renewing and modernizing their campuses through the repair, renovation and alteration of existing facilities. 
  • Established in 2002, the CERF provides annual funding to help publicly-assisted colleges acquire and renew instructional equipment and learning resources. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

Ontario Universities 

Ontario Colleges