The Ontario government is preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow by investing $11.9 million to upgrade learning facilities at McMaster University and Mohawk College. As part of the government's plan to protect Ontario, this investment will strengthen Hamilton's pipeline of highly skilled workers by ensuring students have access to the latest equipment and state-of-the-art learning spaces to get the skills they need for good-paying jobs after graduation.
"In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario's world-class colleges and universities are integral to building and protecting Ontario's future workforce," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "Through this investment, our government is ensuring that students have the modern tools and facilities they need to stay on the cutting edge of our critical industries in their future careers."
McMaster University will receive over $6,900,000 through the Facilities Renewal Program for renovations to labs and lecture halls, along with elevator modernization.
Mohawk College will receive nearly $4,500,000 through the Facilities Renewal Program to support upgrades to electrical and building automation systems, along with accessibility improvements to washrooms and doors. In addition, the college will receive more than $586,000 through the College Equipment Renewal Fund for robotic hybrid stations for building and construction programs, as well as equipment for programming at the School of Health, such as handheld ultrasound units, medication carts, feeding pumps, wheelchairs and PPE carts.
"Our government is continuing to support Hamilton's post-secondary sector to ensure that students have more opportunities to succeed in today's job market," said Neil Lumsden, MPP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek. "By upgrading classrooms, infrastructure, and equipment at Mohawk College and McMaster University, we are helping these world-class institutions develop talented, made-in-Hamilton graduates who are ready to contribute to a strong workforce - not just here in our city, but across Ontario."
This funding is part of the government's $242 million to upgrade classrooms and equipment at publicly funded colleges and universities across the province. Institutions can use the funding for major building systems upgrades, heating and ventilating system upgrades, as well as mechanical and electrical system upgrades. The funds can also be used to buy educational tools, such as modernized computers and software for teaching purposes, specialized equipment, or machinery for use in labs, shops and classrooms. As a shared responsibility, part of the capital infrastructure program requires colleges and universities to make matching contributions.
This investment builds on the record setting funding from the province for the publicly assisted postsecondary sector, including nearly $1 billion to fund over 100,000 more seats in economy-driving programs such as construction, teaching, nursing, and STEM. By expanding key programs and modernizing learning tools, the government is equipping students to lead, innovate and drive in a rapidly evolving economy.
QUICK FACTS
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As announced in the 2025 Ontario Budget, the government is investing over $2 billion in capital grants for colleges and universities, protecting Ontario's future workforce by modernizing facilities with upgraded technology, critical repairs and improved energy efficiency.
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The Facilities Renewal Program provides annual funding to help colleges and universities renew and modernize their campuses by repairing and renovating existing facilities, including major building systems upgrades, roof repairs, heating and ventilating system upgrades, and mechanical and electrical system upgrades.
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The College Equipment Renewal Fund provides annual funding to help colleges buy and renew instructional equipment and learning resources, such as specialized equipment, machinery or tools for use in labs, shops and classrooms.
QUOTES
"As MPP for Hamilton Mountain, I am proud our government under Premier Ford's leadership is investing to prepare students for in-demand jobs which will be critical to the future of our province. By upgrading facilities and equipment, our government is helping students gain the skills they need for good-paying, in-demand jobs while strengthening Ontario's economy. This investment will ensure students at Mohawk College and McMaster University have access to modern classrooms and hands-on training that reflect the needs of today's workforce.
- Monica Ciriello
MPP, Hamilton Mountain"This investment reinforces the importance of Ontario's colleges as engines of skills, innovation, and economic growth. At Mohawk College, it will help ensure our learning environments remain modern, safe, and aligned with the needs of students and industry, while strengthening the college system as a whole."
- Paul Armstrong
Mohawk College President."This investment will help McMaster modernize learning spaces and provide students with hands-on training for in-demand careers, delivering direct benefits for Ontario by strengthening the province's skilled workforce and economic competitiveness."
- Susan Tighe
President & Vice Chancellor, McMaster University
