In April 2016, the federal government announced a new $2-billion fund to help post-secondary institutions improve research and innovation infrastructure. The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) will help Canadian colleges and universities improve the quality of facilities dedicated to innovation, training, research and environmental sustainability. Colleges were requested to submit projects that met funding criteria and a substantial completion requirement of April 2018. Funding approval decisions are expected by mid-August 2016.

In May 2016 Humber submitted three projects for SIF funding:

• Centre for Technology and Innovation (North Campus)
  • Preliminary planning is underway with the School of Applied Technology, the School of Media Studies and Information Technology and Humber Research to develop a state-of-the-art idea accelerator, with programs focused on sustainable building practices, automated manufacturing and human-centered, technology-enabled solutions. Planning is in progress for the construction of a 70,000-square-foot building that will be located in the area that is currently parking lot 3A, between the LRC and the University of Guelph-Humber building.
• Centre of Innovation in Creative Enterprise (Lakeshore Campus)
  • This project continues to be a priority project in the Lakeshore Campus Development Plan and will be incorporated into phase one of the renewal of the AB building. Many different schools and departments, including the School of Creative and Performing Arts, the School of Media Studies and Information Technology and The Business School, are collaborating to develop this exciting intersection of arts and business.
• Integrated College Energy Master Plan (ICEMP)
  • The ICEMP project aims to deliver significant energy and greenhouse gas reduction through a college-wide initiative to retrofit and renovate existing buildings.

The SIF projects and the upcoming Finch West Light Rail Transit construction will impact parking at the North Campus. As such, plans are in progress to build a parking garage, with construction expected to start in January 2017. The garage is anticipated to be complete and ready for use in January 2018. More detailed communication will follow in the coming weeks.

Information on these projects can be found on humber.ca/about-humber/campus-development.  

The SIF program is particularly timely as Humber finalizes the Academic Plan, the five-year enrolment plan, the Campus Master and Land Use Plan and the ICEMP. This is an inspiring time as we innovate, grow and develop facilities to support our “Leadership in Polytechnic Education.”

Thank you,

Rani K. Dhaliwal
SVP, Planning and Corporate Services & CFO