Acadia University will receive a one-time investment of $22 million from the provincial government to address deferred maintenance requirements on its 250-acre campus. The government announced today, March 28, 2022, that it is investing $105 million to improve infrastructure, foster research and enhance healthcare and training at the province’s rural universities.

“Ensuring our post-secondary institutions remain competitive and have the space and infrastructure needed to welcome and train the future workforce is essential for our economic future,” said Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education.

One of Canada’s oldest and most respected universities, Acadia is home to several historic properties including the oldest building in Canada used for women’s post-secondary education (Seminary House, circa 1879).

“Acadia is cherished for its historic beauty and sought after for the transformative education it provides students,” says Dr. Peter Ricketts, President and Vice-Chancellor. “However, the storied buildings of Acadia’s campus require substantial upkeep and rejuvenation to serve the learning and living needs of our campus community. This significant contribution by the provincial government will allow us to address deferred maintenance projects and accelerate plans to improve accessibility and efficiency.”

Acadia’s campus and its buildings are well-cared for by skilled employees and contractors, who bring expertise in maintenance and systems repair. When repairs reach a certain level of cost or complexity, they become deferred maintenance projects.

Currently, Acadia has nearly $90 million in deferred maintenance projects ranging from enhancing accessibility, modernizing classrooms, renewing critical utility infrastructure, and improving energy efficiency to reduce Acadia’s carbon footprint.

“Having funds specifically allocated to improve the learning and working conditions of our campus and community is an investment in Acadia’s sustainability,” adds Ricketts. “This one-time investment is a gamechanger for the infrastructure needs for our campus that have been delayed due to budget realities, and we are very grateful to the provincial government for this level of support.”

Read the full release here: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220328004