April 10, 2008
Province To Invest $47 Million In Historic University Of Manitoba Redevelopment
The provincial government will invest $47 million over three years in the historic redevelopment of the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus, Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Diane McGifford announced today.
During the next five years, the University of Manitoba will restructure several major facilities using a six-stage development plan called Project Domino. The Manitoba government will provide $4 million toward Project Domino this year and the remaining $43 million will be invested over 2009-10 and 2010-11.
“This is one of province’s largest campus redevelopment projects and I commend the university for its vision, which successfully preserves and restores the historic integrity of the institution while showcasing forward-looking innovation in sustainability,” McGifford said.
“We called this project Domino because the plan will address major space and infrastructure challenges on campus in such a way that, like dominoes falling, the resolution of one challenge leads to the resolution of another,’’ said University of Manitoba president and vice-chancellor Dr. Emõke Szathmáry. “This important project will also provide students, faculty and staff with the facilities and technology they need to succeed and thrive. We are most grateful to the Province of Manitoba for their support of this significant undertaking.”
Highlights include a new facility to replace the 350-bed Taché residence, with the existing space becoming home to the faculties of music and art. The current music building will become the International House for English as an Additional Language and house English Language Centre programs as well as the university’s international education division.
Other changes will see the FitzGerald building become home to the faculty of graduate studies and the Graduate Students Association, the current pharmacy building will become the new biological sciences building and lab space in the Duff Roblin building will be made available for the human ecology program.
With a commitment of $100 million over two years in Budget 2008, the Manitoba government will have supported $562 million in capital investment for post-secondary education since 1999.
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