A new teaching and learning centre will be built at UBC-Okanagan. A major funding announcement was made at the Kelowna campus Friday afternoon.
The $40.6 million comes from both the Provincial and Federal Governments as well as students. $35 million of that is going to build a teaching and learning centre adjacent to the library. It will enhance student learning and research experience.
“These investments will create well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper today, while also delivering sustained economic growth for years to come,” M-P for Kelowna-Lake Country Stephen Fuhr said. “By investing in a world-class institution like UBC-Okanagan through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are strengthening the foundation for building Canada into a global centre for innovation.”
“With investments like the new teaching and learning centre, and a number of upgrades at UBC-Okanagan, we’re providing students with the best-possible start as they prepare for in demand
careers in Canada’s leading economy,” Premier Christy Clark said.
The new facility will include a digital technology centre and a visualization lab to facilitate high resolution data modelling in research fields such as advanced manufacturing, materials science, and sustainability.
Students are contributing about $10 million towards the project. A referendum was held in 2014 where 85 per cent of the student body agreed to pay an additional $75 a year to help fund the project.
About $5 million will be used to upgrade 11 other buildings around campus.