Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

April 12, 2010

Premier Announces New Funding, Unveils Site Map for UCN Capital Project in Thompson



THOMPSON—The Manitoba government is investing approximately $82 million towards construction of the new 84,000-square-foot Thompson campus of the University College of the North (UCN), Premier Greg Selinger announced today.  The new campus will be 19,000 square feet larger than the original campus, providing modern education and training facilities based on sustainable design principles. 
 
“I am delighted to present the master plan for this exciting and greatly-anticipated University College of the North construction project that will begin this fall and have a lasting impact on the education and training needs of northern and Aboriginal Manitobans,” Selinger said.  “This dynamic
post-secondary institution will help us make strides toward building our future workforce as well as enhancing the economic and social well-being of the region.”
 
The site map unveiled today includes a 24-unit, on-campus housing development for students and their families, and new facilities that will meet the needs of key academic programs with new classrooms, laboratories and student services.  In total, this first phase of construction will see student capacity increase to 510 from 342.
 
The University College of the North campus in Thompson will include a child-care centre to accommodate up to 75 children and support the early childhood education program.  The facility will also feature new library and learner-support services, ceremonial and elder space and other Aboriginal student services.
 
“UCN is committed to our vision and mission, particularly our contribution to economic and social development of the north now and in the future,” said UCN president and vice-chancellor Denise K. Henning.  “This new campus fits with this commitment by providing space that is both appropriate for our students and post-secondary education as a whole.”
 
Renovations to the existing Severn Building and off-site trades facilities will also take place, allowing UCN to prepare for future trades expansion in phase two of the campus development.  The initial goal is to increase apprenticeship spaces to 150 from 48, helping to achieve the province’s commitment to increase apprenticeship spaces by 4,000, the premier said.
 
“UCN in Thompson and The Pas is mandated to deliver education and training programs in a culturally and socially appropriate manner and many people have been involved in planning this next phase of development for the dual-campus, post-secondary institution,” Selinger said.  “I would like to thank the community leaders and education stakeholders involved from UCN’s inception in helping us achieve this major milestone in the planning and implementation process.”
 
Thompson Mayor Tim Johnston said, “The City of Thompson is pleased that work will begin soon on construction of the new UCN campus.  This facility will be a welcome addition to serve the education and training needs of Thompson and the north for generations to come.”
 
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