Fanshawe to Receive $32 Million in Infrastructure Funding

Fanshawe College President Dr. Howard Rundle says the $31.8 million in infrastructure funding announced on Monday, May 25, 2009, for Fanshawe College from the federal and provincial governments is very welcome news and comes at a critical time.

"We have an urgent need for capital investment. The recession has pushed enrolment numbers up. A college education is highly valued, particularly in this economy - colleges provide excellent training and re-training opportunities." He added, "Today's announced funding will allow us to move ahead immediately with one identified key construction project to ease some of our space limitations and deliver the skills training that is in high demand."

The new infrastructure funding will allow Fanshawe College to expand its recently purchased building at 1764 Oxford Street, London.

The $31.8 million for Fanshawe College is a result of the provincial and federal governments contributing $15.9 million each. The funding is coming from the Ontario government's 2009 budget and the federal government's Knowledge Infrastructure Program.

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is a two-year, $2-billion economic stimulus measure to renew Canada's college and university infrastructure, and is part of the Economic Action Plan announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper at Fanshawe College earlier this year. By making large-scale investments in infrastructure, the government is providing short-term economic stimulus in local communities across the country.

The announced funding will allow Fanshawe College to expand its recently purchased building at 1764 Oxford Street: the Centre for Applied Transportation Technologies will accommodate 1,500 full time students who are seeking job-ready credentials in trades and technologies that support the transportation industry.

Dr. Rundle was pleased about today's announcement. "Working with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges and Colleges Ontario, collectively we have communicated the urgent need for significant investment in long-awaited expansion projects. At Fanshawe College specifically, we have one of the highest confirmation rates to date for fall 2009 and there is a marked increase in demand from adult learners and Second Career applicants. This is a great step toward meeting that increased demand."