By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

"critical" projects

Olds College getting $21.4 million from the province

Jul 11, 2020 | 1:21 PM

Olds College is receiving a huge chunk of money from the province to be spent on capital maintenance.

The $21.4 million is earmarked for the redevelopment of the James Murray Building and expansion of labs in both the Lachlin McKinnon Building and Animal Health Technology building.

Projected to create 120 jobs in the Olds area, it is part of a $98 million commitment to post-secondary capital maintenance projects recently made by the UCP government.

Olds College President Stuart Cullum says the institution is undoubtedly thrilled, calling the projects it’s funding critical.

“The first project will support our Animal Health Education Centre, which will result in a 67 per cent increase in capacity for animal health programming at the college. The second project will make our Ag-Tech Learning Hub a reality, which will house the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology and new programming that is coming online this fall,” he says.

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“Designed as a high-tech learning environment, the Ag-Tech Learning Hub will connect to in-field technologies at the Olds College Smart Farm, as well as to Alberta farmers and partners throughout the globe. Olds College is thankful for the support of the Alberta government and their co-investment toward both projects by our many generous donors and industry partners.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education, said the college has long been a valuable source for innovation in Alberta’s agriculture sector.

“‘[It’s also been] a driving force for the regional economy in central Alberta. This investment will give students and researchers more access to cutting-edge facilities and help solidify the college’s place as a world-leader in its field.”

Renovation of both facilities will begin immediately, with the Ag-Tech Learning Hub opening in fall 2022 and the Animal Health Education Centre opening in fall 2023.