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VANCOUVER
– Economic
Development Minster Colin Hansen presented Simon Fraser University with a $13.3-million cheque today, part of a $49.5-million
investment by the Province in the School for Contemporary Arts.
“This is not merely a
transformation of real estate; this is a crucial element in the transformation
and revitalization of an entire community,” said
Hansen. “The School of Contemporary Arts will help recruit and retain the
creative, talented individuals who are so vital to our future.”
The 11,845-square-metre School for the
Contemporary Arts will fill five storeys on the southwest corner of West
Hastings and Abbott Streets. It will include public space, performance venues,
teaching studios, a 400-seat theatre, and a multimedia lounge and lab for new
media. It is expected to increase economic activity in the area by up to $7.5
million per year.
“SFU’s
Contemporary Arts faculty, staff and 1,200 students are counting the days to
September 2009 when they will move into their new home on the historic
Woodward’s site,” said Warren Gill, vice-president for university relations,
who accepted the cheque on behalf of university president Michael Stevenson.
“We are very grateful for the provincial government’s support of this
initiative to create a new focus for education, performance and exhibition of
the contemporary arts in downtown Vancouver.”
The new campus is being built to LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standards. Green roofs
are being used throughout the site, and much of the material for the building
will have recycled content. The project is being built to last for a century,
whereas most buildings have a 30- to 50-year life expectancy.
The cost of the campus will total $71.5
million. The Ministry of Advanced Education is providing $36 million, part of
the $1.2 billion invested in post-secondary facilities since 2001. The Province
is providing another $13.3 million to support community partnership efforts in
revitalizing the Downtown Eastside. SFU has launched a fundraising campaign
with leadership gifts from chancellor emeritus Milton Wong and Michael Audain
to secure the balance. The site for the campus, valued at more than $10
million, has been given to SFU by Westbank Projects Corp. and the Peterson
Group.
The school is part of the larger Woodward’s
redevelopment project, which retains and restores the original store and
includes market and social housing as well as office and retail space, child
care and City of Vancouver services. The Province has also contributed $20.5
million to build 200 units of non-market rentals for low income families and
people with mental illness, addictions or chronic health conditions.
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contact: |
Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Economic Development 250 952-0623 |
Director, Public Relations Simon Fraser University Vancouver 778 782-5151/3210 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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