Today, Minister of Finance Dwight Duncan and Minister of Economic Trade Sandra Pupatello announced $7.9 million in funding to build our new athletic HealthPlex for our students and staff.

Dr. Strasser told students, staff and media “The increase in academic capacity and the creation of the facility designed to ensure the personal health and fitness of our students will make this investment the most significant construction project of the past decade for St. Clair College. The issue of health and wellness has been the number one issue identified in Student Satisfaction surveys and we are grateful to the Provincial Government for their recognition of the needs of our students and their contribution to the overall project.” Dr. Strasser continued “Plans are being finalized in the next couple of months, allowing a shovel be in the ground early 2012 so our Windsor HealthPlex will be ready for September 2013.”

The Ontario government continues to support postsecondary education through a new HealthPlex at St. Clair College’s Windsor Campus. It will also create jobs and contribute to the health of the local economy.

The new facility will serve the student community and provide improved state-of-the-art classrooms, labs and studios to accommodate the needs of growing programs. Higher enrolment rates require new spaces that will support the college’s capacity for growth.

Dwight Duncan, MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh said “The economy is turning the corner on the global economic recession across Ontario and here at home in Windsor. Building a new HealthPlex at St. Clair College’s Windsor campus goes hand-in-hand with our plan to develop a postsecondary education hub in our city. Our government’s continued investments in education are excellent news for Windsor’s future prosperity.”

Sandra Pupatello, MPP for Windsor-West told the audience today “This investment is another major step towards the revitalization of Windsor. It’s also an investment in our future and a further demonstration by the McGuinty government of its commitment to post secondary education and building a workforce for the 21st century.”

“The students of St. Clair College are thrilled to be part of today’s Provincial Funding announcement. This accelerates the progress towards the building of our new HealthPlex” said Matt Caron, SRC President. “In addition to providing needed academic space, this exciting addition to the campus will support our Varsity and athletic events and improve daily life for all St. Clair College students. On behalf of the St. Clair College students, I thank the Ontario government for their generous contribution to our future.”

“Our new HealthPlex will be a vital training and education resource,” said Patricia France, Senior Vice President, College Operations. “This state-of-the-art fitness area, classrooms, walking track and triple gymnasium will allow our students get the best possible education experience to succeed.”