“Providing Alberta’s students with increased access to the most technologically up-to-date education and training is critical to help meet the needs of Alberta’s employers,” said Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. “In particular, this investment in Medicine Hat College will help address industry demand by increasing student access to welding, automotive service technician, and heavy equipment technician programs.”

In addition to increasing student spaces, Alberta government funding will allow Medicine Hat College to renovate and modernize its facilities, including adding new state-of-the-art technology. Projects included are:

• $4.5 million to expand two trades labs and upgrade the existing 25-year-old welder and heavy equipment technology lab, increasing student access by about 400 students;
• $11.7 million to renovate the 36-year-old F-Wing building and includes construction of an additional 1,900 square metres, increasing student access by about 180 students in business programming;
• $3.5 million for necessary site restoration relating to improved pedestrian and vehicle flow and safety; and
• $3.6 million (on top of Alberta’s previous $1 million contribution) for the college’s Encana Power Engineering Technology Centre. Expected to open in 2008-2009, the on-campus centre will replace the 45-year-old leased, off-campus facility with the latest in technology and offer opportunities for students and faculty to interact with campus colleagues.

Strengthening the post-secondary education system is an important part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to secure Alberta’s future by building communities, greening our growth and creating opportunity.