Media Releases >  Media Releases Archive  > SFU breaks ground on new technology and science complex

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Contact:
Kathryn Aberle, Media/PR, 604.291.3929, aberle@sfu..ca
Wilf Hurd, Government Relations, 604.291.5672, wilf_hurd@sfu.ca

Michael Stevenson, president of Simon Fraser University along with Advanced Education Minister Shirley Bond put the first shovel in the ground today to mark the beginning of work on the new Science and Technology complex at the Burnaby Mountain campus.

The $23-million complex, part of a provincial government initiative to double the number of students graduating each year in computing science and engineering, is being built south of the existing applied sciences building.

"This announcement represents a very substantial investment by the provincial government in SFU’s technology-related programs, which have been nearly impossibly difficult to get into," said Stevenson. "With this investment there will be double the access to front-ranking programs in computing science, engineering science, interactive arts, and multimedia technology. SFU will, as a result, play a pivotal role in rebuilding the leading-edge, high technology sector of the BC economy."

When it opens in September 2005, the facility will provide enough space to accommodate an additional 500 full-time equivalent students in the computing and engineering sciences. The new 9,000-square-metre building features environmentally responsible design, and will increase SFU’s profile as a leading university in applied sciences education and research.

"It's exciting to be able to mark progress on an investment that expands opportunities for students," said Bond. "Creating this type of space ensures that our high-tech students have the modern academic and research environment they need in order to excel."

This project is the latest in a series of new and exciting projects underway at SFU.

"SFU has been growing by leaps and bounds, but the benefits go beyond the students," Harry Bloy, Burquitlam MLA said. "Whether it's the increasing student spaces, the new UniverCity residential neighbourhood or new facilities like the technology and science complex, SFU is proving itself to be an important hub of development for the region."

Architect for the new complex is Stantec, a full-service design and consulting firm, with a 50-year track record and offices throughout Canada and the U.S. The facility will be built by Stuart Olson Construction, one of the largest building contractors in Western Canada. Both firms have worked previously with SFU, designing and constructing the Harbour Centre campus.

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Websites:
Ministry of Advanced Education: www.gov.bc.ca/
Stantec: www.stantec.com
Stuart Olson Construction: www.churchillcorporation.com/about_chur_stuart.htm