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
'The root cause': Canada outlines national action plan to fight auto theft
The federal government is launching what it calls its 'national action plan' to combat auto thefts, which will include stronger penalties for thieves, and increased information sharing between police agencies, government officials and border enforcement.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Michael Cohen says he stole from Trump's company as defence presses key hush money trial witness
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
'Next man up': Canucks coach, teammates bracing for Game 7 without Brock Boeser
Questions about how the team is going to handle the absence of star winger Brock Boeser from a do-or-die game seven dominated pre-game interviews with the Vancouver Canucks coach and players Monday morning.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanamo detainee who was seeking to wipe away his war crimes convictions, including for killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.