Media

OTTAWA, June 24, 2011  —  The University of Ottawa Board of Governors recently approved the direction and priorities for its five-year capital plan including the expansion of its library and student spaces. This large-scale renovation to the existing infrastructure located in the heart of its downtown campus will contribute to the quality of student life at the University.

The Government of Ontario has also announced a contribution of $30 million to the project as part of Building Together, a long-term infrastructure plan that will create jobs, strengthen the economy and help communities of all sizes meet the needs of local families in the province.

“This investment by the Ontario government will undoubtedly contribute to giving our students the best education for success. This new addition to our vibrant campus will be a vital resource for the entire University of Ottawa community,” said Allan Rock, University of Ottawa president.

The renovated Morisset Library will greatly enhance the quality of student life and will create a better learning environment.for students. The project will add infrastructure for broadcasting lectures and seminars online, with ten innovative multimedia classrooms.

“This plan continues to build on the province’s infrastructure investments by providing us with a road map for the next decade. We know that infrastructure is an asset worth investing in and maintaining for the good of everyone,” said Bob Chiarelli, Ontario minister of infrastructure.

The University of Ottawa is a cosmopolitan community of almost 45,000 students, faculty and staff who live, work and study in both English and French. At the heart of Canada's capital, the University of Ottawa is one of our country's leading research universities.

Ontario’s Building Together plan includes investments in:

• Modern and efficient hospitals that support the needs of our aging population
• Reliable and affordable public transit that helps people move around faster
• Innovative post-secondary institutions that offer students the skills training and education they need to compete in the global economy
• Highways, especially in high density areas, for faster and more efficient transport of goods
• Local roads and bridges that are safe and in good repair, helping Ontarians travel to work and home
• Improved access to high-quality social services in communities.