A new University of Saskatchewan campus is planned for Prince Albert.
University president Peter Stoicheff said they will be purchasing the property at 1061 Central Ave. to bring together all programming currently taking place in the city.
“The new campus in Prince Albert will enhance our ability to provide high-quality post-secondary education to Indigenous and northern communities and will serve as an anchor for the university’s emerging northern strategy,” Stoicheff said in a statement.
“Our students, faculty and staff will benefit from an investment that promotes quality educational programs and student support services.”
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Stoicheff said the purchase reaffirms the university’s commitment to Indigenous and northern education.
“It’s time to create an integrated and comprehensive strategy that builds on the strengths of the work happening now, and also to create mechanisms that make it easier for northern communities to access our university,” Stoicheff said.
“Together, we will collaborate on developing needed programs and areas of research that are of interest to Indigenous and northern peoples.”
Stoicheff said the two-storey building, which is currently owned by the Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation (SOCO), will have to undergo renovations to meet the needs of the university, which will include classrooms, offices, and lab facilities.
Joe Hargrave, the minister responsible for SOCO, said the new campus will create opportunities for northern Saskatchewan students.
“We are pleased the University of Saskatchewan has a new vision for this facility to create and advance educational programming for their students,” Hargrave said.
“I look forward to seeing the opening of this revamped facility and the opportunities it will provide to future students, not only in Prince Albert but for all students in the north.”
University officials said there are 324 students taking classes in Prince Albert for the 2017-18 academic year.
The new campus is expected to open in 2020.
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