The province will supply Keyano College with much-needed funds as it recovers from the spring floods.
Alberta announced the College will receive $3.2-million for maintenance and repairs, creating around 18 jobs.
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education, outlined the work as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.
“Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs, now. With this funding we’re protecting and improving the things that make a difference in the lives of Albertans, and we’re setting students up for success by ensuring they have access to first-rate facilities and the training they need to find a well-paying career.”
The plan calls for an additional $98-million for post-secondary institutions for accelerated capital maintenance and renewal.
Alberta said the plan would create 533 full-time jobs.
Keyano College said it will reroute data wires while ensuring Clearwater Campus complies with building and safety codes.
Interim President and CEO Dale Mountain said the upgrades will modernize and remediate deficiencies on campus.
“Keyano has buildings commissioned as early as 1974, and these upgrades will ensure the physical security and safety of our employees, students, and infrastructure. This funding comes at a critical time for Keyano College and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Our region was hit hard by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by devastating overland flooding in April, with significant damage to Keyano College properties.”
Mountain added the stimulus will help Albertans get back to work.
Alberta announced in April it would accelerate its capital plan to nearly $2-billion.
Capital support
Laila Goodridge, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche said it’s an important investment during challenging times.
“As part of our ambitious economic recovery program, our government is investing in critical infrastructure throughout our province, including right here in Fort McMurray. I’m proud to see $3.2 million invested to ensure compliance with building codes at Keyano.”
Student Association President Chioma Igbokei said the group thanks Alberta for its assistance in addressing Keyano’s financial challenges.
“The Students’ Association of Keyano College is pleased with the additional $3.2 million in capital support from the Government of Alberta. It is well known that Keyano has faced capital challenges in recent years, which were worsened this year due to the flood. This kind of investment in Keyano is great news, and the Student Association of Keyano College would like to say a big thank you to the Government of Alberta.”
Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Tany Yao said Keyano is a valued institution in northern Alberta.
“Our government’s investment in the north, in Fort McMurray and Keyano College will create much-needed jobs during our recovery and serve our community long into the future.”
The 2020 Fort McMurray Flood impacted school buildings on campus at various degrees.
RELATED: Keyano’s main Clearwater Campus suffers minor damage, SSWC catastrophic
Keyano College postponed notable fundraisers as it recovers from the flood such as its annual Golf and Gala events.
