Ontario Investing $26.7 Million to Post-Secondary Institutions in Ottawa

January 20, 2026

Investment will fund modern classrooms and cutting-edge equipment at local post-secondary institutions in Ottawa needed to build a strong, highly skilled workforce

NEWS

OTTAWA — The Ontario government is preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow by investing $26.7 million to upgrade learning facilities at Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, Algonquin College and La Cité Collégiale. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this investment will strengthen Ottawa’s pipeline of highly skilled workers by ensuring students have access to the latest equipment and state-of-the-art learning spaces to learn the skills they need for good-paying jobs after graduation.

“In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario’s world-class colleges and universities are integral to building and protecting Ontario’s future workforce,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through this investment, our government is ensuring that students have the modern tools and facilities they need to stay on the cutting edge of our critical industries in their future careers.”

This funding for Carleton University will help to:

Replacement of classroom flooring and fixed seating
Chiller replacement
Accessibility improvements
The Carleton AI Literacy Project

This funding for University of Ottawa will help to:

Security card access system upgrade
Elevator modernization
HVAC upgrades

This funding for Algonquin College will help to:

Elevator refurbishment
Roof replacement and HVAC upgrade
Renovation for new biotechnology and chemistry labs
Paramedicine Simulation Lab: Advancing Workforce-ready Training Through Modernized Equipment

“This funding is much needed and is instrumental in providing students with the opportunities they need in the classroom” said George Darouze, MPP for Carleton. “These investments in our post secondary institutions in Ottawa are essential in providing for the future of our youth from Carleton, Ottawa and across Ontario, to help deliver rewarding careers.”

This investment is part of the government’s $242 million 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

As announced in the 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

Ontario universities

Ontario colleges


MEDIA CONTACT Office of George Darouze, MPP – Carleton 1128 Mill St. Manotick, ON K4M 1A2 Tel.: 613-838-4425 george.darouze@pc.ola.org