The persistence of Carleton president Roseann Runte in lobbying the provincial and federal governments for funding has earned the university $52.5 million, meaning students will have access to two new buildings by 2011.
The funding, announced May 25, will go towards Carleton’s Waterfront Project, according to Carleton spokesperson, Steve Blais.
It comes as part of a collective $3-billion investment in infrastructure from the governments, allowing the construction of the buildings located on the campus’s waterfront perimeters, Blais said.
The River Building will house the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs, the School of Public Policy and the School of Journalism and Communication. The Canal Building will play host to a variety of science and engineering departments, such as biomedical engineering and nano-science.
Blais said Runte has worked very hard to secure the money, lobbying governments to fund Carleton’s infrastructure initiatives since entering her post last summer.
Jim Watson, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs, confirmed Runte’s diligence, noting she pressured the provincial government by sending him a letter containing a toy bulldozer.
Runte is not the only president successful in securing funds for her school.
According to Industry Canada, 28 infrastructure projects have been funded across Ontario, including an $80-million renovation and expansion of the University of Ottawa.
Federal Infrastructure Minister John Baird, said the government’s two-year, $2-billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program was designed not only to create jobs quickly by sponsoring shovel-ready projects, but the investment in higher education will also help long-term job creation.
He says this will allow Canada to emerge from the recession “stronger than ever.”
Blais said construction of the two buildings will begin soon, as the federal funding package stipulates all projects must be ready to open for students by 2011.