2005 News Releases
September 19, 2005
SAIT receives $2 million for capital projects
Includes planning for new trades complex
Calgary... A $2-million contribution from the Alberta government will enable SAIT Polytechnic (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) to begin planning its new Trades and Technology Complex, which will consolidate all of SAIT's trade and technology programs, and to upgrade its electrical systems.
"This new complex will be a tremendous asset to SAIT, Alberta students and the province," said Advanced Education and Technology Minister Dave Hancock. "Demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow throughout our province, and more facility space at SAIT will enable it to train even more of these much needed workers."
The funding comes as a result of the government's First-Quarter Fiscal Update in August.
"The Trades and Technology building will provide enhanced learning opportunities for SAIT students and strengthen Alberta's skilled workforce," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. "This needed facility will be a lasting investment that will help us meet the demand for skilled tradespeople and support the future growth of the province."
The new complex will allow SAIT to house all trade and technology programs in one building, increase its capacity for apprenticeship training and provide for cross-functional learning among the trades. The facility is a key component of SAIT's redevelopment plan.
"This funding is an important first step toward the development of our new Trades and Technology Complex. We thank the Alberta Government for their support of SAIT and this project," says Irene Lewis, President and CEO, SAIT. "This new building will be the first phase of a broader SAIT capital plan which reflects the human capital needs of our fast growing provincial economy."
A total of $614 million has now 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 safety issues, and those necessary to avoid serious program delivery disruption.
