Advanced Education (News Archive)

2005 News Releases

September 9, 2005

Red Deer College receives $29 million for facilities expansion

Government funds expansion which will help meet regional demand for skilled labour

Red Deer... A $29 million boost from the Alberta government will help Red Deer College expand the college's facilities, providing more space for trades training in order to meet a growing demand in the region for skilled labour.

"This expansion is great news for Red Deer College and the people of central Alberta," said Advanced Education and Technology Minister Dave Hancock. "The college is taking a major step forward in order to meet the demand for skilled labour in the Red Deer area in the years ahead."

The proposed expansion positions the college to meet the high demand for trades workers in areas such as electrician, welder, steamfitter-pipefitter, and heavy equipment technician. It will also facilitate trades training in areas that will be in demand in the future. Included in the expansion plan is the initial phase of the College's Healthy Community Complex, a concept which will support the growth and development of healthy communities across the region.

"As a Red Deer College Alumnus, I am pleased that the Alberta government is investing in the infrastructure needed to support a strong and skilled workforce now and in the future," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. "In the coming months, the Alberta government will work closely with Red Deer College as it develops an efficient design that includes water conservation, efficient heating and other environmentally sustainable features."

The funding comes as a result of the First-Quarter Fiscal Update on August 29. This is the largest single investment in Red Deer College facilities since the original campus was constructed 40 years ago.

"With this significant contribution by the government, Red Deer College will strengthen its leadership role in the health, education, economic development and community development of our region, helping to create healthy communities in central Alberta," stated Herb Der, Chairman, Board of Governors of Red Deer College.

A total of $614 million has been allocated for Alberta's post-secondary institutions under the Government of Alberta's 2005-08 Capital Plan, an increase of $145 million since Budget 2005 was announced in April.

Backgrounder

Quick facts - Capital funding for post-secondary institutions

  • The province's 2005-08 capital plan includes $614 million for post-secondary institutions. This includes new funding of $145 million over three years for additional projects, announced on August 29.
  • The funding will also support a number of maintenance projects at post-secondary institutions throughout the province.
  • $30 million of the $145 million is designated for maintenance projects.
  • The Alberta government also identified funding for select infrastructure maintenance projects which address urgent preservation projects throughout the post-secondary system. Projects selected will include those that relate to health and life safety issues, and those necessary to avoid serious program delivery disruption.