Durham College and Ontario Tech University, two prominent post-secondary institutions in Oshawa, are set to benefit from a provincial investment of over $9 million aimed at upgrading their learning facilities. This funding will support the institutions’ infrastructure improvements and enhance the quality of education available to students in Durham Region.
Durham College will receive $5,472,600 for critical infrastructure upgrades, which include replacing the roof, upgrading the boilers, and making improvements to the HVAC system. These upgrades are crucial for maintaining the college’s facilities and ensuring that students have access to modern, efficient learning environments.
In addition to these building improvements, Durham College will also expand its skilled trades and technology education programs. The funding will enable the college to enhance its welding technologies, purchase new equipment for Carpentry and Construction programs (including ladders, clamps, routers, and sandblasters), and add an autoclave to support Biotechnology and Environmental Technology programs.
Dr. Elaine Popp, President of Durham College, expressed her enthusiasm about the investment, saying, “This funding ensures that our learners are training in state-of-the-art facilities with industry-standard equipment, preparing them to be workforce-ready on day one.”
Ontario Tech University will receive $3,574,100 to fund facility upgrades, including a new Building Automation System, HVAC replacement, and the installation of a heat pump. This investment will also enable the creation of a new Engineering Training Lab, offering students enhanced hands-on learning opportunities.
Dr. Steven Murphy, President of Ontario Tech University, emphasized the importance of this investment for the university’s future: “This funding will expand our hands-on training labs and strengthen the learning experience for our job-ready graduates while we prepare them for Ontario’s future workforce needs.”
The funding is part of the Ontario government’s $242 million plan to upgrade classrooms, equipment, and infrastructure at publicly funded colleges and universities across the province. The funds will be used to update major building systems, heating and ventilating systems, and mechanical and electrical systems, as well as to purchase educational tools, modernized computers, and specialized equipment for classrooms, labs, and shops.
Ontario Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn noted, “Ontario’s world-class colleges and universities are integral to building and protecting Ontario’s future workforce. This investment ensures that students have the modern tools and facilities they need to stay on the cutting edge of critical industries.”
Whitby MPP Lorne Coe added, “This funding will strengthen Durham Region’s pipeline of highly skilled workers by ensuring students have access to the latest equipment and state-of-the-art learning spaces. It will support economic growth and help students gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs.”
The Ontario government is investing more than $2 billion in capital grants for colleges and universities through several programs, including the Facilities Renewal Program, College Equipment Renewal Fund, and Training Equipment and Renewal Fund. These initiatives aim to modernize educational facilities and ensure students in Durham Region and across Ontario are equipped to succeed in their careers.
