More than $21 million in improvements will be made to Olds College, creating about 120 jobs in the area.
The provincial government will spend $6.21 million to redevelop the James Murray Building and $15.16 million to expand the Lachlin McKinnon Building and animal health technology labs at the college.
“The commitment of $21.3 million will greatly improve the academic and social learning environments for all of our students,” said Michael Frankiw, president of the Students’ Association of Olds College.
“As well, it shows the government’s commitment to supporting our agricultural industry in the new technological age.”
Both projects will result in more state-of-the-art spaces for students and researchers, the government said in a statement Friday.
The redevelopment and expansion of the James Murray Building will allow the college to create a new ag-tech learning hub, which aims to be a world leader in integrated agricultural, technological and data sciences learning experiences.
Students and researchers will be able to partner with industry to develop new technology for smart and sustainable agriculture.
“Agriculture is without a doubt the most important industry in our region. Our farm families are leaders in adopting new ideas and technology. Expanding and modernizing Olds College, supporting more students and researchers, will only help drive our industry forward,” said Nathan Cooper, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.
Funding for the projects is part of an additional $98-million commitment to post-secondary institutions for accelerated capital maintenance and renewal, says the government.