'SHOVEL-READY': Last week the Government of Canada shared details and launched the application for its new $2 billion, three-year postsecondary investment fund. The federal dollars are intended to strengthen research and innovation infrastructure through construction, repair and maintenance at Canadian institutions, and support will be directed toward “shovel-ready” projects, University Affairs reports. Federal dollars can cover up to half of a project’s costs. The fund’s website includes examples of potential projects:
- Converting under-utilized space into new research labs
- Modernize or creating sector-specific training facilities
- Expanding on-campus incubators and accelerators
- Retrofitting buildings used for research and development or advanced training activities, installing more energy-efficient heating systems and pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards
Eligible institutions include colleges, universities, publicly-funded polytechnic schools, institutes of technology and cégeps. Schools that are affiliated with an eligible institution—including research and teaching hospitals, research parks, incubators and accelerators—can apply through their affiliated institution. Schools will need to move quickly—the proposal submission deadline is May 9th.
