Olds College Receives $21 Million for Expansion
Olds College
Submitted
The Government Of Alberta announced today that Olds College will receive more than $21 million in capital maintenance and renewal funding to redevelop two existing buildings on campus in support of new technology programming and future growth.
$15.16 million will be used to expand the Lachlin McKinnon Building into the new Animal Health Education Centre, allowing the College to accommodate future growth and enrolment for their animal science programs and provide state of the art and specialized facilities for learning.
$6.21 million will be used to redevelop the James Murray Building into the Ag-Tech Learning Hub that will house the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology. Combined with more than $5.5 million in donation support, the facility will be home to the new Agriculture Technology programming, with the first two programs launching this fall. “Olds College is thrilled that the Province of Alberta is contributing nearly $21.4 million in funding toward two critical projects that will ensure Alberta’s economy has the labour and talent needed to thrive,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, Olds College. “The first project will go toward our Animal Health Education Centre, which will result in a 67% increase in capacity for animal health programming at the College. The second project will make our Ag-Tech Learning Hub and home of the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology a reality.”
President Cullum adds, “Olds College is thankful for the support of the Province of Alberta and their co-investment toward both projects with our many generous donors and industry partners. I would also like to thank MLA Nathan Cooper, for his tireless advocacy of Olds College and our community. It is as a result of MLA Cooper’s engagement and contribution, that projects like these are becoming a reality and the positive impact on our region will be felt for generations.”
“Agriculture is without a doubt the most important industry in our region. Our farm families are leaders in adopting new ideas and technology. Expanding and modernizing Olds College, supporting more students and researchers, will only help drive our industry forward,” comments Nathan Cooper, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.
“Olds College has long been a valuable source of innovation for Alberta’s agriculture sector as well as 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,” comments Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education.
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.