Government funds to renew 50-Year-Old UBC bioscience buildings

A major investment of Federal and provincial funds will help bring about much needed upgrades to the Biological Sciences West and South buildings at UBC's Vancouver campus.

The $65 million in funding will renovate research facilities and classrooms originally built more than 50 years ago, while incorporating the latest sustainable features.

"This remarkable investment will fuel much needed short-term economic development while strengthening the research platform that has made British Columbia and Canada international leaders in research and education," says UBC President Stephen Toope.

"The BioSciences complex serves as a hub for research involving more than 400 researchers and contains classroom and lab space serving more than 14,000 student enrolments a year," says UBC Dean of Science Simon Peacock. "The new funding will enable much needed upgrades and help attract the brightest minds from around the world."

Portions of the departments of Botany, Earth and Ocean Sciences, and Zoology all make their homes in the building complex.

The investment was announced today in Victoria by Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Industry and Murray Coell, Provincial Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development. The two levels of government are contributing equally to the project--the federal infusion is part of the recently launched Knowledge Infrastructure Program.

The BioSciences project is part of Phase Two of UBC Renew, a partnership between UBC and the B.C. government that has already seen seven buildings completely refurbished—including the UBC Chemistry Building. UBC renew has saved $53.7 million over replacing the structures.

The BioSciences Renew Project is expected to be completed by spring 2011. The upgrades will eliminate an estimated $43.3 million in deferred maintenance while bringing the buildings to LEED Silver standard.