October 21, 2005 Source: University of Western Ontario:
http://communications.uwo.ca/media_newsroom/story.html?listing_id=20011 Province Commits $13.6 Million to Western London, ON. - Laboratory and classroom space at The University of Western Ontario is being upgraded thanks to a pledge of $13.6 million from the Government of Ontario, which promises to improve student experience and research capabilities. Announced this morning by Khalil Ramal, MPP for London-Fanshawe, the funding also provides the University with resources to enhance energy efficiency and increase accessibility and safety. "I am delighted that London continually benefits from our government's commitment to postsecondary education," says Ramal. "Western and Fanshawe College are busy modernizing and repairing buildings on their campus' and upgrading equipment so that our postsecondary system is able to meet new challenges and to ensure Ontario and Canada remain competitive in the global economy." These funds make possible the completion of deferred maintenance projects throughout the University, including upgrades in building and utility infrastructure and the replacement of fifty-year-old air compressors and cooling equipment in the Power Plant, which services the entire campus. "This funding allows us to continue to improve, maintain and introduce new facilities and systems essential to our missions in student experience and research," says Paul Davenport, Western's President and Vice-Chancellor. "We are grateful for the Ontario government's support of post-secondary institutions in this area." This announcement is a part of the Ontario Government's province-wide initiative to enhance the learning experience post-secondary students, "Reaching Higher: The McGuinty Government Plan for Postsecondary Education". Under the Facilities Renewal Program, the provincial government invests $40 million annually in maintenance at post-secondary institutions; across the province, this one-time investment to modernize buildings tops $250 million. Media Contacts: Douglas Keddy, Research Communications Coordinator, The University of Western Ontario, (519) 661-2111 ext. 87485, dkeddy@uwo.ca Lisa Regan, Executive Assistant, Office of Deb Matthews, MPP London North Centre, (519) 432-7339 - 30 - Media Newsroom is updated daily by the Media Relations staff at the Department of Communications and Public Affairs.
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