TORONTO, April 11, 2008 --  A grant of more than $18.5 million from the Government of Ontario will help ensure York University’s facilities are better equipped for cutting-edge research and today’s teaching needs.

 

“This funding is vital to York’s future as we work with the government on a long-term plan for renewal that addresses both projected enrolment growth as well as critical teaching and research needs,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor of York University. “The Ontario government’s support of campus renewal projects will benefit York students with more modern classrooms, labs and other learning spaces.”

 

York University will also receive a grant of $500,000 to support Ontario EcoSchools programming.  This environmental education program aims to influence young people during a formative period of life, and encourage students to take a culture of conservation home with them. The funds will be used to revise curriculum-linked teaching resources, provide outreach activities and offer EcoSchools certification for those teaching ecological literacy.  It will also help conserve energy, minimize waste and green the grounds. 

 

“EcoSchools is another way for York to lead the way in efficiency and conservation,” said Shoukri.

 

Ontario has designated $200 million for campus renewal across the province. These investments are in addition to January’s commitment of $135 million for campus renewal, and are 12 times the annual contribution of the $26.7 million universities ordinarily receive through the Facilities Renewal Program.

 

 

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 11 faculties and 24 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.

 

Contact:

Alex Bilyk

Director, Media Relations

York University

416-736-5603