An Innovation Centre under construction at Saint Mary’s University is getting $20 million in joint funding for the addition of solar panels.

Ottawa is to invest $8 million and $12 million from the University to help with clean energy.  In addition, landscaping around the building with help beautify the campus.

The Sobey’s Inspiration Hub is for supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.  This investment will also fund interior and exterior renovations and energy efficiency enhancements to several campus spaces, notably the Loyola Building, the Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness, the Patrick Power Library, the Burke Theatre, and the McNally Theatre Auditorium.

“Saint Mary’s University has an extensive track record of equipping Nova Scotians, Canadians and students from around the world with the tools they need to succeed in their careers, particularly in the business sector. These investments will improve the working and learning environment of every member of the university community, enhancing knowledge sharing and collaboration among the leaders of tomorrow’s green economy” said The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.

The installation of solar panels on some of these buildings will increase Saint Mary’s University’s capacity to generate clean energy by an estimated 230 per cent — from 0.2 Megawatts to 0.66 Megawatts.

“Universities are at the forefront of producing and researching green energy. We are essential partners in the fight against climate change. I want to thank the Government of Canada for its investment in Saint Mary’s University’s initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint as we move towards net zero. We are leading Atlantic Canada in this space, and with this investment, we will continue to advance a greener community and campus” said Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University.

This comes after Monday’s announcement that Cape Breton University just raised $84 million for a green facility for research and teaching.

• The Government of Canada is investing $8 million in this project, and Saint Mary’s University is contributing $12 million.
• The Government of Canada’s funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
• This stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies.
• Including today’s announcement, 62 infrastructure projects or project bundles under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been funded in Nova Scotia, with a total federal contribution of more than $356 million and a total provincial contribution of more than $458 million.
• Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land.
• The funding announced today builds on the Government of Canada’s work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying middle-class jobs, strengthen local economies, and build inclusive communities.