December 11, 2009
Parkland Campus $3.5-Million Expansion Begins
DAUPHIN – An expansion of Assiniboine Community College’s Parkland Campus in Dauphin is underway as an official sod turning ceremony was held today to kick off construction.
The total project is expected to cost $3.5 million, and is moving forward with a federal-provincial investment of more than $3.4 million. Over $1.7 million is being provided under the Federal Government’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program with the Province of Manitoba providing a matching contribution. Assiniboine Community College will cover the remaining project costs.
“When we make investments in our post-secondary educational facilities we are enhancing students’ learning capabilities and improving the quality of programming offered to them while at the same time making the facilities more attractive to future students,” said Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers, and MLA for Dauphin-Roblin, on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Diane McGifford. “Our government is pleased to support this expansion and all that it will offer Parkland-area residents.”
“Our government is investing in innovation to promote employment, to help our economy recover quickly and to improve the quality of life for Canadians,” said Inky Mark, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette. “Our investment in Assiniboine Community College will create construction jobs in Dauphin now, while providing the facilities the college needs for years to come.”
The project includes a 7,200 square foot addition that will house a nursing arts laboratory, an expanded early learning centre, and classrooms needed for community programming.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to move forward on this project,” said Jim Brinkhurst, Interim President of Assiniboine Community College. “The long-term impact of this expansion on both training and employment opportunities for the Parkland region is very positive. We will be able to expand our capacity and enhance programming to better meet labour market needs.”
This expansion will allow ACC to train an additional 30 apprentices each year, meeting the region’s labour needs and honouring the provincial government’s commitment to double apprenticeship opportunities in Manitoba.
The expanded early learning centre will allow the college to integrate Early Childhood Education programming within the facility. The addition of a nursing arts laboratory will allow for a regular rotation of the Practical Nursing program, which will help to address the critical and ongoing shortage of Licensed Practical Nurses.
The Knowledge Infrastructure Program, a two-year, $2 billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian post-secondary institutions is part of the $12 billion in new infrastructure investment allocated under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The program is providing real economic stimulus and employment by creating local jobs for engineers, architects, trades people and technicians. It is also helping to generate the advanced technological infrastructure needed to keep Canada’s research and educational facilities at the forefront of scientific advancement.
Assiniboine Community College has been in operation for over 45 years. In 2007-08, the college had over 2,400 students attending college on a full-time basis. The college offers 37 certificate and diploma programs, as well as apprenticeship programs. The main campus is located in Brandon and the Parkland Campus is in Dauphin. Winnipeg has been home to a permanent Practical Nursing site since 1998. Training sites in numerous rural communities extend program offerings throughout the province.
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The Government of Manitoba is distributing this news release on behalf of Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the Assiniboine Community College.