Over $6 Million for Canadore and Nipissing
January 15, 2026Investment will help prepare college/university students for in-demand jobs
NORTH BAY — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing $6.2 million in Canadore College and Nipissing University through the Facilities Renewal Program, the College Equipment Renewal Fund, and the Training Equipment Renewal Fund. This investment will provide upgrades and prepare college and university students for in-demand jobs.
“As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this $6.2 million investment will strengthen the pipeline of highly skilled workers by ensuring students at Canadore College and Nipissing University have access to the latest equipment to gain experience our employers need to keep the province competitive,” said MPP Vic Fedeli.
Local funding includes:
- $3,237,123 to Canadore College to renovate their machine shop, refurbish their elevator, modernize the Aviation Simulation Lab, as well as upgrade equipment in the Medical Laboratory Technologist program, the Post Production, and Graphic Design Production programs.
- $3,014,407 to Nipissing University to upgrade classroom infrastructure, repair the HVAC systems, upgrade automation systems, and to obtain portable motion capture equipment paired with cutting edge technology (E.G., artificial intelligence, data analytics) to enhance experiential learning for students in health-related areas.
“Canadore College appreciates this important investment,” said George Burton, President and CEO of Canadore College. “This funding supports the development of state-of-the-art learning environments across a wide range of programs. Modern laboratories, classrooms, and equipment strengthen Canadore’s ability to prepare a highly skilled workforce that contributes to Ontario’s economic growth and long-term prosperity.”
“Thanks to the Province’s support, we are able to make key investments in and upgrades to our facilities and modernize our health science instructional equipment, directly enhancing student learning,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor, Nipissing University. “This funding is helping us create a new anatomy teaching lab, opening in September 2026, equipped with full‑body synthetic cadaver models and other advanced instructional resources. Students in Nursing, Physical and Health Education, Biology, and related programs will benefit from more realistic, hands‑on learning.”
This is part of Ontario’s $242 million investment to upgrade classrooms and equipment at publicly funded colleges and universities across the province. Institutions can use the funding for major building systems upgrades, heating and ventilating system upgrades, as well as mechanical and electrical system upgrades. The funds can also be used to buy educational tools, such as modernized computers and software for teaching purposes, specialized equipment, or machinery for use in labs, shops and classrooms. As a shared responsibility, part of the capital infrastructure program requires colleges and universities to make matching contributions.
This investment is building offthe record setting funding from the province for the publicly assisted postsecondary sector, including nearly $1 billion to fund over 100,000 more seats in economy-driving programs such as construction, teaching, nursing, and STEM. By expanding key programs and modernizing learning tools, the government is equipping students to lead, innovate and drive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Quick Facts
- 2025 Ontario Budget, the government is investing over $2 billion in capital grants for colleges and universities, protecting Ontario’s future workforce by modernizing facilities with upgraded technology, critical repairs and improved energy efficiency.
- The Facilities Renewal Program provides annual funding to help colleges and universities renew and modernize their campuses by repairing and renovating existing facilities, including major building systems upgrades, roof repairs, heating and ventilating system upgrades, and mechanical and electrical system upgrades.
- The College Equipment Renewal Fund provides annual funding to help colleges buy and renew instructional equipment and learning resources, such as specialized equipment, machinery or tools for use in labs, shops and classrooms.
- The Training Equipment and Renewal Fund provides annual funding to help universities buy state-of-the-art equipment that supports in-person or virtual learning, helps to meet industry or business standards, or supports enrolment growth.
Additional Resources