September 21, 2012 - A $5-million dollar investment by the federal government’s regional development program in Laurentian University’s School of Architecture will help to fund construction of the new state-of-the-art facility at the historic crossroads of Downtown Sudbury.
The funding announcement was made this morning at the downtown project office of Laurentian Architecture by Federal Industry Minister Tony Clement, the Minister responsible for FedNor.
“By helping establish Canada’s first school of architecture in more than 40 years right here in Northern Ontario, our Government is delivering on its commitment to develop a competitive and diversified economy, create jobs, and support long-term growth and prosperity,” said Minister Clement.
The $5-million is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program. It will help to support the construction of a new, 65,000-sq-ft landmark building at the intersection of Elm and Elgin Streets in the heart of Sudbury. The funds will also support the renovation of two historic buildings at the site, both of which will be incorporated into the design of Canada’s newest School of Architecture.
“This forward-looking investment by the Canadian government, along with the support previously affirmed by the Ontario government and the City of Sudbury, brings us close to our target for the capital cost of this ambitious project,” said Laurentian Vice President, Administration and Project Steering Committee Chair, Carol McAulay. “With capital funding almost fully in place, and the design work underway, we are on track to welcome our first Architecture students in the fall of 2013,” she added.
“We appreciate the federal government’s support of the vision for our School of Architecture,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux. “This represents the latest in a series of federal government investments in Laurentian University, which include significant investments in support of our Vale Living With Lakes Centre, and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. With the new School of Architecture moving ahead to a fall 2013 launch, Laurentian and its partners are building a solid foundation for the future growth and development of Sudbury and Northern Ontario.”
For more information on the School of Architecture, please visit www.laurentianarchitecture.ca