Ontario Investing $6,416,700 to Prepare Students for In-Demand Jobs

January 16, 2026

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

January 16th 2026

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow by investing $6,416,700 to upgrade learning facilities at Lakehead University and Confederation College. 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.”

Funding Breakdown:

  • Lakehead University:$3,493,500
  • Confederation College:$2,923,200

“Investments like this in our colleges and universities will help maintain and improve the quality of our campuses across Ontario. In Thunder Bay, it will support the restoration of infrastructure and the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring students can learn with the latest technology in safe, modern facilities,” said The Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan. “By providing these modern tools and learning environments, we are equipping students with the skills and experience they need for in-demand careers, helping to build a strong, highly-skilled workforce and supporting both Thunder Bay’s economy and Ontario’s economy as a whole.”

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.

“Confederation College appreciates the Province of Ontario’s continued investment through the Facilities Renewal Program and the College Equipment Renewal Fund, which are essential to maintaining safe, functional, and reliable learning environments for our students. This funding supports the ongoing maintenance of our existing buildings and the renewal of instructional equipment, helping ensure our classrooms, labs, and core building systems remain operational, aligned with regional labour-market needs, and responsive to the higher costs of delivering education in Northwestern Ontario.” Said Michelle Salo, President of Confederation College “ Ongoing renewal is particularly important for high-demand programs such as aviation, health care, skilled trades, and engineering technology, ensuring students across Northwestern Ontario can train on industry-standard equipment and graduate job-ready.”

This investment is building offthe 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.

“Lakehead University is grateful to the Province of Ontario for this important investment in facility renewal. Funding like this strengthens the quality and safety of our learning environment and helps ensure that our students have access to reliable spaces and equipment that support hands-on learning. “ said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor, Lakehead University” This investment will help us continue preparing graduates for the workforce and supporting the region’s long-term economic growth.”

Quick Facts

  • 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

Ontario Colleges