Oshawa and Whitby campuses of Durham College and Ontario Tech receiving $6 million in provincial technology funding

The Ontario Government is investing $6M at Durham College and Ontario Tech University to boost online and virtual learning and for teaching and research equipment.

The funding is part of the Government’s $583 million investment over three years to help institutions modernize classrooms by upgrading technology, carrying out critical repairs, improving their environmental sustainability and supporting virtual learning projects that increase access to postsecondary education for students.

“Ontario’s postsecondary institutions offer world class education, which is critical to the future of the Province, and our economy,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Our government’s investments to build Ontario will help colleges and universities renew and modernize their facilities and buy vital training equipment so they can continue to deliver high-quality education to students – anytime and anywhere.”

The $3.3M investment at Durham College will help purchase equipment to improve online and remote learning students at their Oshawa and Whitby campuses, including adding to their media loan library, streaming and capture technology, and other Wi-Fi and AV upgrades.

The $2.7M investment at Ontario Tech University will go towards equipment purchase and renovations to enhance teaching and research in health sciences, engineering and IT (STEM), and for micro-credential courses in nursing, healthcare, PSW, medical lab science, data analytics and visualization with a focus on simulation and experiential learning. In addition, this funding will support a variety of projects, including building automation system upgrade, solar panels installation and conversion of classrooms to engineering labs.

“This support will ensure students at Durham College and Ontario Tech University have access to modern instructional equipment to meet business and industry standards, increase student access to micro-credentials and enhance the overall student experience,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Chief Government Whip. “By investing\ in postsecondary infrastructure, we are not only supporting our local economy, but ensuring students obtain the skills needed for the in- demand jobs of today and tomorrow.”

Peter Bethlenfalvy, the Pickering-Uxbridge MPP who, as Finance Minister gets to sign off on funding programs such as this, said the money will help students at both institutions “build the skills and competencies they need to be competitive in today’s economy.”

“This investment is aimed at creating infrastructure that will allow all post-secondary institutions to compete in the new educational climate.”