Ottawa – Carleton University faculty and staff joined students and the Board of Governors in applauding announcement by the federal and provincial governments of an investment of $52.5 million in the university’s Waterfront Project. This represents the single largest capital investment in Carleton’s history.

The project will see two buildings constructed on campus as part of the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its capacity to contribute to the research and innovation in nanoscience, engineering, communications, international relations and public policy for which Carleton is renowned.

“As a research-intensive, interdisciplinary university these new buildings support our efforts to foster innovation and the development of solutions to real-world problems,” said Jacques Shore, Chair of the Board of Governors, Carleton University. “We are grateful to both the federal and provincial governments for this vital funding and applaud their investment in Carleton and its students - tomorrow’s leaders.”

Last year Carleton announced plans to divide the proposed light rail building into two sections, both to be located on the waterfront. The River building will be home to the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, the School of Journalism and Communications and the School of Public Policy. The Canal building will house new programs in biomedical, energy, environmental and aerospace engineering, as well as nanoscience. Both building projects are ’shovel-ready’.

The buildings will:

* Provide much-needed space for the growing numbers of students in engineering;

* Provide research labs which will enable the university to partner with technology companies to develop new concepts and contribute to the economy;

* Permit the university to expand partnerships with other universities around the world and with the federal and provincial governments;

* Provide space for important conferences and seminars which will make our nation’s capital the idea capital of the world.

“Carleton has increased student numbers, raised the quality of its programs, improved student retention rates and greatly expanded its research funding,” added Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President, Carleton University. “Today’s announcement serves not only to acknowledge that effort. It also marks an important investment in the futures of our students, our province and our country.”