(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Susan McNeil

Higher learning

FNUniv gets support for new PA campus

Jan 10, 2023 | 8:53 AM

City council unanimously threw its support behind a request from the First Nations University of Canada to transfer five acres of land for $1 so FNUniv can build a new campus.

The deal is not done yet, but Gord Hunchak, VP of University Relations said he is fairly confident they will get the federal funding they need to go ahead.

“This approval today gives us site certainty, which should go a long way as we submit that when it’s reviewed by the feds,” said Hunchak. “Over the next six weeks, we’ll finish off the application and send it and we’re very confident we’ll get support from the federal government.”

The University has until Feb. 28 to apply to the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) fund.

Construction could start soon on a new campus that will allow the university to accommodate a minimum of 600 students, an increase from the 450 it normally has at the downtown campus.

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“If we can the word back from the federal government that they’re going to support this project, we could be in the ground this spring,” Hunchak said.

A new building allows them to have classroom space that is built for students, will allow for more ceremony on campus and will allow for new programming that the existing campus cannot accommodate.

Constructing a new northern campus for FNUniv has been its top priority for a while, Hunchak told council during a special meeting.

It will be a $40 to $60 million build.

“We know it’s an important project for the youth here and in the north, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous,” he said.

The site chosen is not the original proposed location next to Sask Poly, that deal did not go through when it was put forward in 2021.

Having it next to the Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse allows students access to recreational facilities and hospital services and is also close to a large portion of Indigenous-owned land with the PAGC offices nearby.

Councillors threw their support behind the deal with the motion to proceed made by Tony Head and seconded by Blake Edwards.

“I want to thank you for showing confidence in Prince Albert,” said Coun. Dennis Ogrodnick. He listed a string of developments announced in the last several years such as the re-opening of the pulp mill, construction of an OSB mill and upgrade of the Victoria Hospital as examples along with a city-led build of a new pool and aquatics centre on the south side of Prince Albert.

“Now we’re going to have a top-notch gathering place for higher learning and that’s so positive and I thank you so much for showing that confidence,” he said.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com