Thanks to $6.83 million in vital upgrades over the past two years, possible through joint federal-provincial funding from the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP), Olds College is now able to turn its attention to the visible interior of older facilities, resulting in improved and renewed learning and common space. The revitalization plan will address the appearance of many of 20-years-and-older facilities are showing wear from decades of use.
“Before we could justify work that is slightly more cosmetic in nature, we first had to make critical upgrades behind walls and ceilings, unseen to the average visitor,” said Kevin Chenger, Director Campus Facilities, Olds College. “It was vital that we started by upgrading HVAC systems, electrical systems and fire alarm systems. None of that would have been possible without the KIP funding we received.”
Without KIP funding, the visible upgrades would have been deferred in favour of the now-completed critical infrastructure work. “This is one more example of how the Government of Canada has set us up for success,” said Jordan Cleland, Vice President, Advancement. “Through our own fiscal prudence we are now able to complete visible enhancements to our learning spaces, but only because of prior support on more important initiatives by both the Province of Alberta and their federal partners. This, in part, is why we felt compelled to name the Government of Canada our 2011 Partner of the Year.”
Olds College’s funding came as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan in 2009, which set out to stimulate the Canadian economy and improve the country’s long-term competitiveness through $12 billion in new infrastructure investment, including the $2-billion KIP.
Olds College’s interior upgrades, largely funded by the College, will come in conjunction with support from the Province of Alberta through their Infrastructure Maintenance Program (IMP).
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