Ontario Investing $100,000 to Prepare Lakehead Students for In-Demand Jobs

January 21, 2026

Investment will fund modern classrooms and cutting-edge equipment at Lakehead University, needed to build a strong, highly-skilled

January 21st, 2026

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow by investing $100,000 to upgrade learning facilities at Lakehead University. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this investment will strengthen Thunder Bay’s pipeline of highly-skilled workers by ensuring students have access to the latest equipment and state-of-the-art learning spaces to learn the skills they need for good-paying jobs after graduation.

“In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario’s world-class colleges and universities are integral to building and protecting Ontario’s future workforce,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through this investment, our government is ensuring that students have the modern tools and facilities they need to stay on the cutting edge of our critical industries in their future careers.”

This funding for Lakehead University will help to:

  • Establish a multi-scale wind tunnel testing facility to advance structural engineering, aerodynamics, and renewable energy research. Key elements include developing climate-resilient Indigenous, housing and designing nature-inspired turbine and UAVs

“It is great to see advanced engineering research taking place in Northern Ontario. Investments like this helps drive innovation and supports the development of practical, northern-made solutions,” said the Honourable Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay Atikokan. “Ensuring students have access to state-of-the-art tools and facilities is essential to delivering a high-quality education and preparing them for successful careers.”

This investment is part of the government’s $242 million to upgrade classrooms and equipment at publicly funded colleges and universities across the province. Institutions can use the funding for major building systems upgrades, heating and ventilating system upgrades, as well as mechanical and electrical system upgrades. The funds can also be used to buy educational tools, such as modernized computers and software for teaching purposes, specialized equipment, or machinery for use in labs, shops and classrooms. As a shared responsibility, part of the capital infrastructure program requires colleges and universities to make matching contributions.

“Thank you to the Ontario government for supporting Lakehead University’s novel multi-scale wind tunnel testing facility. It’s a significant leap forward in student-centered learning in advanced research.” said Dr. Langis Roy, Vice President Research and Innovation, Lakehead University. “ By working with world-class technology, our students will design the sustainable infrastructure of tomorrow to deliver innovative solutions to pressing challenges like modular housing construction that is resilient to extreme wind loads and temperatures.”

This investment is building off the record setting funding from the province for the publicly assisted postsecondary sector, including nearly $1 billion to fund over 100,000 more seats in economy-driving programs such as construction, teaching, nursing, and STEM. By expanding key programs and modernizing learning tools, the government is equipping students to lead, innovate and drive in a rapidly evolving economy.

Quick Facts

  • As announced in the 2025 Ontario Budget, the government is investing over $2 billion in capital grants for colleges and universities, protecting Ontario’s future workforce by modernizing facilities with upgraded technology, critical repairs and improved energy efficiency.

  • The Facilities Renewal Program provides annual funding to help colleges and universities renew and modernize their campuses by repairing and renovating existing facilities, including major building systems upgrades, roof repairs, heating and ventilating system upgrades, and mechanical and electrical system upgrades. 

  • The College Equipment Renewal Fund provides annual funding to help colleges buy and renew instructional equipment and learning resources, such as specialized equipment, machinery or tools for use in labs, shops and classrooms.

  • The Training Equipment and Renewal Fund provides annual funding to help universities buy state-of-the-art equipment that supports in-person or virtual learning, helps to meet industry or business standards, or supports enrolment growth.

Additional Resources

Ontario Universities

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