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Lethbridge College. (Supplied by Lethbridge College)

Lethbridge College getting $3.35-million to upgrade heating and cooling system

Jul 15, 2020 | 2:16 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge’s two largest post-secondary schools are receiving funding for capital maintenance and renewal work.

The provincial government has announced a grant to upgrade the heating and cooling systems in the Paterson Building at Lethbridge College, which was first built in 1970.

They say replacing the old piping system will help to avoid more expensive repairs in the future and to ensure staff and students can benefit from reliable campus infrastructure.

“This investment in the revitalization of the Paterson building will ensure a continued safe, modern and energy-efficient learning environment for our students,” says Dr. Paula Burns, President and CEO of Lethbridge College. “These types of facilities allow our passionate and committed educators to focus on providing the relevant, high-quality education that prepares our students for the jobs that support the local and provincial economy.”

This work is expected to generate 19 new jobs for contractors and tradespeople in the Lethbridge area.

Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides says the investment was made as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.

“Alberta’s Recovery Plan is an ambitious plan to build diversity and create jobs. Today’s announcement will create immediate jobs in the Lethbridge area while also ensuring Lethbridge college can continue to offer a variety of academic and apprenticeship options in a safe and comfortable environment. This investment is one of many projects around the province that demonstrates that our post-secondary institutions have a critical role to play in the economic recovery of our province.”

Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf added that this announcement is not only important for the community but for him personally as well.

“As an alumni of Lethbridge College and a tradesman, I love to see responsible investment in this institution. A $3.35-million investment in much-needed mechanical upgrading and deferred maintenance shows the commitment we have in taking care of the infrastructure that is needed to train and develop the next generation of our workforce.”

Last week, the province announced $20-million for similar work at the University of Lethbridge. More details here.

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