October 08, 2010

Lee Richardson, MP and Environment Minister Jim Prentice at Mount Royal University.

Calgary - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Regional Minister for Southern Alberta and Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre toured the site for Mount Royal University’s Science and Technology wing expansion this morning.

Mount Royal President, Dave Marshall and PCL Builders Inc.’s Calgary District Manager, Rob Otaway, were on hand to showcase the progress of the construction project.

“Mount Royal is pleased to showcase the progress of the expansion to our Science and Technology building. Construction is coming along nicely and we are certainly grateful for support from the federal government’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program, without which this project would not be possible,” says Mount Royal President, Dave Marshall.

Construction of the 4,700 gross square meter three floor expansion began on Aug. 20, 2009 and is scheduled for completion on April 2011.

“We have witnessed a historic milestone in the participation of our federal government’s contributions to infrastructure projects that will ensure Canada emerges in a stronger position from the global economic recession with state of the art facilities,” said Minister Prentice. “I am pleased to see firsthand that the expansion of Mount Royal University’s Science and Technology wing will be completed on time and on budget. Our government remains committed to delivering investments that will create jobs and ensure post-secondary infrastructure will strengthen Canada’s position as a world leader in science and technology.”

The expansion will house a Tissue Culture Lab, Geology Hard and Soft Rock Labs, a Cell Lab, dark room and student study space on the ground floor; a Chemistry and an Anthropology/Archaeology Lab will be located on the second floor together with a Research Lab, meeting rooms and faculty offices; and 48 faculty offices, one meeting room and support service areas will be located on the third floor. The extension has been designed to meet LEED Silver standards.

"Our government has invested in innovation and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for Canadians and set the foundation for economic prosperity,” said MP Lee Richardson. “This investment created jobs for people at a critical period, while enhancing the infrastructure that Mount Royal University needs for years to come."