Construction begins on new School of Nursing / FNS building at UPEI

(September 21, 2010) -- UPEI and the Government of Prince Edward Island announced the construction of a new building on campus that will house the School of Nursing, Department of Family and Nutritional Sciences and classroom and laboratory space.

Students, staff and faculty and nursing alumni gathered next to the building's future site with Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Health and Wellness; Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning; UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan; and Dean of Nursing Kim Critchley to celebrate the official kick-off to construction. Site preparation began in late August.

'The construction of a new facility for UPEI's School of Nursing and Family and Nutritional Science programs is a significant milestone for UPEI and the broader Island community,' said UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan. 'This will be an important platform to address our future health care needs and opportunities.'

The Government of Prince Edward Island is funding two-thirds of the project, $7.2 million, while UPEI will raise one-third, or $3.6 million, for a total construction cost of $10.8 million.

Minister Campbell said, 'This University has been going through a long period of growth and development as an institution of learning and research. We're happy to support this new facility and I am confident these new facilities will only improve what has become an excellent facility for the education of Islanders and students from around the world.'

'This new facility will be a tremendous asset for nursing education on Prince Edward Island and for nursing as a profession,' added Minister Bertram. 'The training, skills and commitment of nurses are essential to ensuring the highest quality of care throughout our one Island health system.'

Also during the announcement, Dean Critchley acknowledged the many current students and nursing alumni from UPEI and the former hospital schools in attendance, 'I am thrilled to see both former, current, and future members of the nursing community with us today. The new building will provide excellent learning resources for students, teaching facilities for faculty, and research opportunities that will result in benefits to our entire community.'

The facility is expected to be completed in fall 2011. To watch the construction progress, view the webcam.

About the School of Nursing building:

• The building will be approximately 39,000 square feet over three levels.
• BGHJ Architects were awarded the project along with the design team of MacKay Lyons Sweetapple Architects Limited.
• Brighton Construction is the general contractor.
• The facility includes classrooms, offices and laboratory space for nursing programs as well as for the Family and Nutritional Sciences program.
• The facility is expected to be completed in fall 2011.

· The building is scheduled to be complete by early fall, 2011.