$11 MILLION INVESTMENT IN U OF R PROJECT

The University of Regina is expanding its Education Building, thanks to an $12

million investment from the government.



The project converts the four-storey Education Building, built in the 1960s,

into a six-storey building with fully wired classrooms and first class research

facilities. Improvements include the addition of four high-tech classrooms,

four computer teaching spaces, rebuilding existing elevators and making the

Education Library fully wheelchair accessible.



The announcement was made today in Regina by Post-Secondary Education and

Skills Training Minister Glenn Hagel and University of Regina President Dr.

David Barnard.



"Strengthening our public institutions is one of the best ways we can celebrate

Saskatchewan's centenary," Hagel said. "We are investing in those things

Saskatchewan people have always valued most, education and innovation. The

knowledge and skills of our graduates will build our future."



"This expansion of the Education Building will bring many benefits to our

campus," Dr. Barnard said. "In addition to modern classrooms, office and

research lab space, this project also means three faculties that are currently

scattered throughout the building – Education, Engineering and Administration –

will have their own spaces."



Barnard said the university is adding 66,000 square feet at less cost than a

new building of similar size. "In the current competitive environment for new

faculty in high-demand areas like Engineering and Administration, we need to be

able to offer attractive lab and office space in order to compete with other

universities."



The entire project will cost $13 million. The University of Regina will

contribute $1 million from its capital fund, Post-Secondary Education kicks in

another $885,000. Of the $13 million total, $11.145 million comes from the

government's Centenary Fund.



The Centenary Fund, announced in this year's budget, was established to leave a

legacy of Saskatchewan's Centennial for future generations. Leading up to the

Saskatchewan centennial celebrations in 2005, the Saskatchewan Government is

funding projects that support key infrastructure needs in the post-secondary

education and skills training sector.



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For more information, contact:



Neil Yeates Sandy Cameron

Deputy Minister Manager, Community Relations

Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training University of Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5586 Phone: (306) 585-5439