Keyano College received a grant from the government of Alberta toward modernizing Clearwater Campus’ building codes.
Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA Laila Goodridge and Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Tany Yao presented the school with the $3.2-million grant.
Goodridge said she’s proud to see the money invested to ensure compliance and create jobs.
“As part of our ambitious economic recovery program, our government is investing in critical infrastructure throughout our province, including right here in Fort McMurray. This important investment will create jobs and help keep Albertans employed during these challenging times.”
Yao also said the funding was possible through the Alberta Recovery Plan.
“Alberta’s Recovery Plan is all about creating jobs in our communities during these tough economic times. This funding creates 18 jobs when we need them most. It also helps fix the aging infrastructure to keep Alberta’s public buildings lasting well into the future.”
The Plan includes a $98-million commitment to post-secondary institutions to speed up capital maintenance and renewals.
The province expects to create around 533 full-time jobs across Alberta.
Interim President and CEO of Keyano College Dale Mountain expanded on the some of the issues facing the post-secondary institution.
“It’s a challenging time for the college. Fort McMurray has endured two natural disasters in four years, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a significant economic downturn. It would be impossible to overcome all of the struggles we’ve faced without the strong support of the Alberta government, our employees and a resilient community.”
Goodridge and Yao made their presentation to Mountain as well as Fred Russell, Vice-President of Academics, and Tracy Boyde, Vice-President of Infrastructure and CIO.
The group took a tour of the campus stopping at the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre, where Keyano presented both MLAs with honorary basketball team jerseys.
