University of Lethbridge. (Supplied by University of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

Province announces $20-million to upgrade U of L’s heating and cooling systems

Jul 9, 2020 | 1:15 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has announced a significant investment into the University of Lethbridge (U of L).

The district heating and cooling center is located in the University Hall building, which first opened in 1971 and has not had any major work done on it since.

“Alberta’s Recovery Plan focuses on infrastructure as a critical component for supporting economic growth and jobs for Albertans,” says Infrastructure Minister Prasad Panda. “This includes investing in shovel-ready projects to upgrade and maintain public facilities, like this post-secondary institution, that [helps] keep Albertans working and stimulate local economies where it matters most.”

The project is considered to be “critical” to the continued operation and viability of the vast majority of the current campus.

Student residences, academic spaces, and research labs will also benefit from the improved systems.

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According to the province, this work will create 112 jobs in the Lethbridge area.

“Our government is working to make smart and responsible investments,” adds Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf. “This new capital maintenance funding for the University of Lethbridge – funding that has been deferred for over a decade – is a welcome influx of capital to Lethbridge.”

READ MORE: U of L receives nearly $4 million in NSERC grants toward research

The U of L project is part of the more than $10-billion in infrastructure spending announced as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.