Laurentian University announces new spending to address maintenance deficit
Laurentian University has approved $8.4 million in spending on deferred maintenance this year.
The university’s board of governors has approved the spending as part of the institution's on-going efforts to address recommendations from the Auditor General’s report on the issues that led to Laurentian's insolvency. LU has created a new five-year maintenance plan calling for an additional $7.8 million per year to be spent on deferred maintenance projects.
"The total deferred maintenance backlog that has been identified for the university is over $135 million," said interim vice-president of finance and administration Michel Piche.
The VP said there will be work for years to come.
"We found that the primary cause of Laurentian’s financial decline was its pursuit of major capital projects without adequate consideration for how they would be collectively funded or ultimately used,” Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk said, in her report last November.
“These investments to the campus infrastructure are critical,” said board chair Jeff Bangs, in a news release Tuesday.
“The goal is to maintain facilities over the next five years before costly emergency repairs are necessary.”
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
University President Sheila Embleton said any university has a very long list of deferred maintenance and never enough money.
"(We do) the most urgent ones first," she said.
The expenditure will be funded by the university’s operating fund and an estimated $2.6 million from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ Facilities Renewal Program.
“The project list includes multiple roofing projects, residence renovations, and various accessibility improvements,” said Bangs.
This spending will be used to renew many campus facilities, including:
- Alphonse Raymond Building roof
- Jeno Tihanyi Pool
- Arts Building roof
- Science 2 Building roof
- Residence renovations
- Electrical upgrades
- Ventilation upgrades
- Modernization of elevators
- Campus washrooms
- Multiple outdoor stair repairs
Faculty Association President Fabrice Colin told CTV News that many of these maintenance projects had been delayed even before Laurentians had entered the CCAA, but he feels this spending is a step in the right direction.
One of the most talked about projects on campus is the university’s plan to spend up to $300,000 to address immediate issues with the pool.
“There’s a real commitment to doing the best they can to get the pool going,” said head coach Dean Henze, in a previous interview with CTV News.
Current LU student Avery Morin said the campus has many beautiful outdoor spaces and it would be nice to have interior ones that match.
“I think going for a swim after a long day of studying would be a be a great way to spend my time,” said Morin.
“There’s a real commitment to doing the best they can to get the pool going,” said head coach Dean Henze, in a previous interview with CTV News.
Piche said once they are sure the pool can properly hold and maintain water other safety issues will have to be addressed before it can reopen.
Officials said these investments in the future of the university are key to the renewal and long-term viability of the campus infrastructure.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Infant dies in ATV crash, N.S. RCMP says alcohol may be a factor
An infant has died and three others, including another child, were taken to hospital following an ATV crash in Forties, N.S., on Monday.
Canadians are eyeing moves to these cities for more affordable housing
Faced with elevated housing prices, half of Canadians in the country's largest cities are considering moving to places with more affordable housing.
Poilievre says Canadians 'fleeing' to Nicaragua, Liberals say it shows he 'doesn't have a clue'
Liberal parliamentarians are criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre over a new video in which he promotes the idea that some Canadians are 'fleeing' Canada to live in Nicaragua because they can't afford a house in this country.
'Do not drive': Nissan warns Canadian drivers of explosion risk impacting 48,000 vehicles
Car manufacturer Nissan has issued a do-not-drive warning for some older vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, due to the risk of explosion during a crash.
Charges against world's top golfer Scottie Scheffler dropped after arrest outside PGA Championship
Criminal charges against Scottie Scheffler have been dismissed, ending a legal saga that began with images of the world’s top male golfer being arrested and handcuffed in Louisville during the PGA Championship.
'Scandals and secrets': On board the world's most exclusive private residential ship
It’s a floating city exclusively home to the 1 per cent, a playground for multimillionaires and billionaires that circumnavigates the world's oceans.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
How Trump's hush money trial verdict could affect the 2024 election
Here is how three potential outcomes from the jury room ─ a guilty verdict, an acquittal or a hung jury ─ could affect the presidential campaign.
New Orleans mystery: Human skull padlocked to a dumbbell is pulled out of water by a fisherman
New Orleans mystery: Human skull padlocked to a dumbbell is pulled out of water by a fisherman