Athabasca University launches new e-learning research building

May 13, 2008

After extensive research and consultation, Athabasca University has finalized the new site for its $30 million dollar Academic and Research Centre (ARC) to be built on its main campus in Athabasca.

The site is next to the West Access Road off University Drive. People familiar with the university will recognize the site as the location of the community breakfast during previous Convocations. The site is one of a number identified in the 2006 Campus Development Plan for future expansion. The building will have a north-south orientation on the site.

"The site was selected because it will showcase the ARC building, while taking advantage of the spectacular views, beautiful surroundings and existing landscape features," says project manager Wayne Ferguson.

Construction of the new building will have minimal impact on existing operations, says Ferguson. "Much of the existing infrastructure, such as the parking stalls and underground utilities, won’t have to be extended or replaced. In addition, the existing pedestrian and wildlife trails will remain undisturbed and accessible for all two or four-legged hikers during construction."

The new centre will increase the space at the university’s main campus by almost 50 per cent. Funding for the project was announced last August by Honourable Doug Horner, Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education and Technology.

“This new building will allow Athabasca University to build capacity in e-learning research," said Joy Romero, Chair of the Athabasca University Governing Council. “Albertans and Canadians deserve the very best as they prepare themselves for an economy that will increasingly demand specialized knowledge."

Construction on the new facility is scheduled to start this fall, with a sod-turning ceremony slated for September 17th, 2008. The building is expected to open in the spring of 2010.

For more information contact:

John O’Brien
Manager, Media Relations

Email: jobrien@athabscau.ca
Phone: (403) 298-2931

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Updated August 21, 2012