TORONTO, March 15 /CNW/ – Federally and provincially funded infrastructure projects announced in 2009 for Ontario universities are creating over 12,000 new jobs across the province, increasing revenue for supplier companies, and providing greener and more modern facilities to educate talent and produce research. These investments are also enhancing the competitiveness of Ontario universities to attract the best and the brightest from around the world, according to a summary, Government Infrastructure Dollars at Work, prepared by the Council of Ontario Universities (COU).

The two governments invested $1.1 billion in Ontario universities’ shovel-ready projects at 24 campuses. Undergraduate and graduate students will benefit from new or renovated facilities with innovative spaces for collaborative learning and technologically advanced classrooms. New research facilities will also play a critical role in boosting the innovative capacity of Ontario universities that will help to advance the economic and social well-being of the province and the country.

“We applaud both governments, whose investments are stimulating local economies and providing modern facilities for students and faculty,” said Sheldon Levy, Chair of Council and President of Ryerson University. “These important stimulus programs are making a real difference to local economies and to the knowledge advantage of our institutions, our students and, ultimately, our graduates.”

The university construction projects are also making Ontario universities greener. The projects include many environmental features. Old buildings are being “reskinned” and gaining new energy systems for future efficiencies, and some new ones are being built to internationally recognized LEED standards for high-performance green buildings.

“The federal and provincial infrastructure programs are providing a boost today and a platform for growth tomorrow,” said Bonnie M. Patterson, President of COU. “Ontario universities have moved quickly on these projects and look forward to their completion in the spring of 2011.”

The federal government’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program, an important plank in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, was announced in the 2009 federal budget and provided $500.3 million for Ontario universities. Ontario committed $607.1 million in the 2009 budget and the Strategic Capital Infrastructure Program to our institutions. For a copy of the summary, please visit COU’s website (www.cou.on.ca).

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CITY OF BRAMPTON JOINS IN FOR EARTH HOUR

In support of the global Earth Hour campaign, residents and businesses are urged to turn off the lights

BRAMPTON, ON: The City of Brampton is gearing up for Earth Hour on Saturday, March 27 from 8:30 – 9:30 pm. Earth Hour is a one-hour lights-out event, created by WWF (World Wildlife Fund) that mobilizes millions worldwide to show support for action on climate change. Earth Hour is designed to help show people how they can be a part of the climate solution and that everyday action can add up to make a real difference.

The City will turn off non-essential lights at various facilities during the designated hour on March 27.  Lighting affecting public safety, security or service - such as streetlights, stoplights, park pathway lighting and parking lot lights at City facilities – will remain on. Public programming at recreation and community centres will also continue as normal.

“Conservation and sustainability are key priorities for the City of Brampton and we are once again proud to participate in Earth Hour. I encourage everyone to join in, remember – one hour, no power! Together we can make a difference,” says Mayor Susan Fennell.

In partnership with Hydro One Brampton, the Region of Peel and Peel District and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Boards, the City of Brampton is encouraging all residents and businesses to join the campaign and turn off lights and non-essential appliances during this time.

Hydro One Brampton reported that the collective efforts of Brampton businesses and residents during Earth Hour 2009 resulted in a 9.3 per cent (38.4 megawatt) reduction in consumption – equivalent to removing 31,800 homes from the distribution system during that hour. This was up from a 3.2 per cent reduction in 2008.

The Earth Hour campaign was started in Sydney, Australia by WWF in 2007, when 2.2 million people and 2,100 Sydney businesses turned off the lights for one hour. This campaign has now spread to major cities worldwide making Earth Hour a global movement.  For more information please visit www.brampton.ca or call 311.