Ontario Construction News staff writer
Algoma University’s plans to expand facilities for its growing School of Computer Science and Technology received $2 million federal funding boost recently.
The project brought forward by Algoma University “aligns with Federal priorities to support innovation and digital technology, keys to the vitality of the Canadian economy.”
It is expected to create 23 construction-related jobs.
“This investment will have a significant socio-economic impact in Sault Ste. Marie, building on the technical infrastructure required for our campus to attract and develop top student and faculty talent to the region,” said Asima Vezina, president and vice-chancellor, Algoma University.
“Algoma University recognizes the importance of being competitive in the ICT sector, including increasing the number of talented graduates required to attract and retain a robust ICT workforce in our community.”
The investment, through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, will be used to design, build and equip a state-of-the-art computer science and technology programming and research area focused on developing the next generation of leaders in the field.
Expanded facilities will support research and innovation, testing & lab simulations, and learning spaces that promote the development of expertise in the areas of mobile application engineering, cybersecurity, software systems, data analytics and computer game technology.
In addition, the new space will include two innovation and collaboration zones designed to ensure creativity, project innovation, product development and idea incubation. Improved workspace for interactive display integration to encourage continuous collaboration and idea-sharing among students, faculty, researchers and industry partners is also incorporated into final designs of the new space.
“Today’s investment will lay the groundwork for growth that will enable Algoma University to increase its enrolment. Furthermore, the upgraded computer lab will provide regional employers with highly qualified computer science personnel who can apply data analytics to improve decision-making, use software engineering to enhance cybersecurity, and transform processes with the application of new technologies that have the potential to increase profitability and efficiency,” said Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan.
“This investment will also support the continued development of an innovative ecosystem in the north that ensures the region has the talent required to compete globally, create the jobs of the future, and contribute to the highly skilled workforce that will drive the economy of the future.”
