Science complex project will create 750 jobs over the next two years, says university
The University of Winnipeg has announced that it will receive $18 million dollars from the federal government to fund infrastructure in science and environment studies at the school.
According to a press release issued today, the money will be used to “secure the most up-to-date research and teaching laboratories and equipment,” which it says will attract new world-class researchers to the school’s planned science complex. There will also be a new commercialization unit within the school’s Richardson College for the Environment that it says will provide an opportunity to local business through knowledge-based jobs.
“Through this investment, our government is helping to ensure that Winnipeg becomes a leader in environmental research. As an alumni of the University of Winnipeg, I am especially proud that our government will be contributing to this worthy project,” said Vic Toews, Manitoba’s president of the treasury board.
The so-called Science Complex, which is set to begin construction this year, with a planned end date of March 2011, will allow resident students and faculty to conduct research and development studies in natural and social sciences. The complex will focus on the North, urban ecology, water stewardship, “green chemistry”, and indigenous science, and will also house some of the university’s community learning programs for inner-city and Aboriginal children and youth.
The university anticipates that the project will create approximately 750 jobs over the next two years, with an additional 30-50 faculty and staff positions that will be added to the school in the next five years.