Red Deer College is receiving an additional $5 million for capital maintenance and renewal projects, says the provincial government.
The funding will go toward upgrading and replacing a variety of electrical and mechanical infrastructure on campus, including heating, ventilation and cooling, as well as water and sewage systems.
The government said this work will help avoid more costly and disruptive repairs in the future, thereby reducing the college’s insurance costs.
Additionally, the project will give about 28 Albertans jobs, the government said.
“Alberta’s recovery plan is an ambitious plan to build, diversify and create jobs,” said Advanced Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides in a statement.
“With this funding, government is not only ensuring post-secondary students and staff continue to have high-quality campus experiences, we are also creating work opportunities for contractors and skilled tradespeople in the Red Deer community.”
College president Peter Nunoda agreed the money will pay dividends for students and the broader community.
“Everything we do is in support of our students and community, and with this investment, we can continue to enhance optimal learning environments on our vibrant campuses,” said Nunoda.
“We are also excited to provide important employment opportunities in our region through the construction projects that will result from this grant funding, helping Alberta’s economic recovery during this challenging time.”
The government says funding for the project is part of an additional $98 million for post-secondary institutions, which is expected to create about 533 full-time jobs around the province.