As Alberta's economy continues to grow, so does the need to ensure students are getting the skills and knowledge needed to meet the labour market demands of today and tomorrow. That is why, through Budget 2025, Alberta's government is investing $30 million for the redevelopment of the Taylor Family Campus Centre at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).
Once complete, the centre will provide students with more athletics and recreation, health and wellness, and community facilities. The centre will also benefit academic programs, including helping to provide more work-integrated learning opportunities for students.
For instance, the centre will allow first year students to observe medical procedures in a clinical setting, enabling faster integration of their knowledge with real world application. It will also provide opportunities for students to develop skills with real patients, which will help improve the transition from the classroom to the working world. This observational experience will benefit more than 900 students each year, which will lead to increases in graduate numbers for health programs, and graduates with hands-on experience.
"By investing in post-secondary capital funding and infrastructure, we are meeting the needs of a growing province and economy. This redevelopment project aligns with our commitment to improve education infrastructure and provide students with the tools and spaces they need to succeed. This is a great example of how we can work together to create modern, sustainable and inclusive learning environments that support the growth of Alberta's workforce, encourage innovation and provide students with the best opportunities to thrive."
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education
SAIT's student population has doubled since the Taylor Family Campus Centre was first constructed in 1981. The redevelopment of the centre will help ensure SAIT is equipped to meet the needs of a larger, growing community while fostering educational growth and professional development in Calgary and across Alberta.
"Through this contribution, the Government of Alberta is supporting the essential infrastructure needed to deliver integrated health-care education through innovative, hands-on learning experiences at the Taylor Family Campus Centre. Among the many services that will be available for the SAIT community, plans for the Taylor Family Campus Centre include an on-site health clinic that will offer pharmacy services and comprehensive health, dental and vision care. This cutting-edge space will serve as a critical training ground for health and public safety students."
Dr David Ross, president and CEO, SAIT
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.
Quick facts
- SAIT is undertaking a multi-year capital project to reimagine a new centre of student life on campus.
- The initial scope of the five-year project includes the construction of renewed facilities dedicated to promoting health and supporting student learning, community, and wellness on campus.
- SAIT's new Taylor Family Campus Centre will open in late 2027.
- A $30 million donation from the Taylor Family Foundation will also support the construction of SAIT's new Taylor Family Campus Centre.
