Foundations take shape: 183 projects in Canadian universities head into the<br>home stretch

OTTAWA, Oct. 20 /CNW/ - Today the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada released Foundations for Education, a brochure offering a snapshot of transformations taking place on university campuses across the country. In just 20 months, outdated labs as old as the sputnik have been transformed. Small, cramped classrooms from the 50's and 60's will now be 'smart', wired and e-connected. Dark, inefficient buildings have turned on the light and gone 'green'. Paul Davidson, President of the AUCC, says "the updated, retro-fitted and new, state-of-the-art buildings on university campuses will create a rich learning environment—an environment that will attract the best and brightest professors and students from Canada and around the world."

In 2009, the Government of Canada announced the $2-billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program, with matching funds from provincial and territorial governments and other partners allowing universities and colleges to tackle more than $5 billion of deferred maintenance - everything from leaky plumbing to crumbling buildings.

"We are seeing great stories unfold," adds Davidson. "This investment goes far beyond bricks and mortar; it is the Foundations for Education - foundations that will encourage research and innovation; foundations that will attract international talent; foundations that are inviting to Aboriginal students."

AUCC's Foundation brochure offers a snapshot of some spectacular buildings, amazing researchers and their innovative research that will make Canada the prosperous, competitive, livable community that Canadians deserve.

To view the brochure and additional features on KIP projects, visit www.aucc.ca/kip.

AUCC is the voice of Canada's universities. It represents 95 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities and university-degree level colleges.

For further information:

For interviews and information contact:

Lyse Huot
Director of Government Relations and Communications
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.
Tel: [phone] ext. 229
Cell. 613-884-8401
[email protected]