The Ontario government is ensuring publicly assisted colleges and universities have modern facilities, learning tools and equipment so students develop the skills to succeed in the workforce through an investment of $201 million in 2023-24. Part of this investment requires postsecondary institutions to receive matching contributions from a private sector partner to help deliver the high-quality education and training to meet needs of employers.
"It is essential that our colleges and universities have the latest learning tools and equipment so students can get the skills they need for the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow," said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. "As part of our government's plan to build Ontario, this investment will help institutions renew and modernize their facilities and allow them to continually improve the learning experience for students."
This investment includes:
- $171 million through the Facilities Renewal Program (FRP) to help publicly assisted colleges and universities with the critical maintenance, repairs, upgrades and renewal of existing facilities.
- $20 million through the College Equipment and Renewal Fund (CERF) to help colleges buy and renew instructional equipment and learning resources.
- $10 million through the Training Equipment and Renewal Fund to help universities renew and buy modern, state-of-the-art equipment and learning resources.
Colleges and universities can use the funding for projects that support the renewal and modernization of campuses including major building systems upgrades, heating and ventilating system upgrades, and mechanical and electrical system upgrades. The funds can also be used to buy instructional equipment and materials, such as new computers and software for teaching purposes, specialized equipment, or machinery for use in labs and classrooms, and tools for shops. For example, Brock University has used the funding to create a design studio and collaborative space to support expanded engineering programs and Mohawk College established an electric vehicle and automotive innovation lab.
This investment ensures students, including those in micro-credential programs, have access to the latest instructional equipment to meet business and industry standards, while supporting Ontario's economy.
Quick Facts
- On February 26, 2024, the government announced an additional investment of $167.4 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, for capital repairs and equipment at publicly assisted postsecondary institutions.
- Established in 1986, 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.
- Established in 2002, 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.
- Established three years ago, the Training Equipment and Renewal Fund provides annual funding to help universities buy state-of-the-art equipment that supports in-person or virtual learning, helps to meet industry or business standards, or supports enrolment growth.
Quotes
"Colleges Ontario welcomes new investments from the provincial government to Ontario's public college sector, including the Facilities Renewal Program and College Equipment and Renewal Fund. These investments are necessary and help ensure our public college students continue to have the space and training tools to become the health care workers and skilled trades personnel that Ontario needs."
- Marketa Evans, President and CEO, Colleges Ontario
"This investment will help ensure Ontario's universities are able to give students the modern learning environments they need to succeed. As the average age of our buildings is 44 years, the repair and renewal of infrastructure is critical. This funding supports universities in continuing to make improvements to key areas such as accessibility and technology-enabled learning."
- Council of Ontario Universities
Additional Resources
