Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ottawa’s Saint Paul University will receive $6.8 million to modernize a 160-year-old facility.
The federal and provincial governments will fund renovations at the university’s Guigues Academic Building to update teaching spaces and reduce the university’s energy footprint.
“More than ever, our government is committed to preserving the vitality of the French language and Francophone communities in Canada,” said Official Languages Minister Ginette Petitpas. “Today marks an important step that will give Franco-Ontarians and Francophiles access to top-quality education, right here in Ottawa.”
The Government of Canada is contributing more than $3.4 million over three years and Ontario is providing $3.4 million over two years.
“We are committed to promoting activities in French on our campus. We are focusing our efforts on enriching Francophone communities in Ontario through education and the professional development of our student population,” said Saint Paul University Rector Chantal Beauvais.
“This funding will make it possible to maintain high-quality service for those who choose to pursue their studies in French, while promoting the growth of bilingualism in our country.”
In 2017, the University completed major renovations to Guigues Hall, including construction of the Student Life Centre, renovation and development of collaborative spaces, a computer lab and library and archive office spaces along with renovations to the second-floor auditorium.