THUNDER BAY – A $2 million investment will help Lakehead University upgrade aging classroom technology, and connect one of its last major buildings that’s still without full Wi-Fi coverage.
The university announced Wednesday it had secured $1 million in funding from Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities, which will be matched with university funds.
“We’re just thrilled with this,” said chief information officer Andrew Brigham. “It’s a significant investment.”
Expectations around technology, and the ability to connect seamlessly with people in other locations, have increased during the pandemic, Brigham said.
The money will support upgrades to audiovisual and videoconferencing technology in about 50 rooms across Lakehead’s two campuses in Thunder Bay and in Orillia.
It will also allow Lakehead to expand Wi-Fi to all areas in the Centennial Building in Thunder Bay, where it’s currently installed only in small pockets, like some labs.
Opened in 1969, the structure’s cement-heavy design poses challenges for Wi-Fi connection, Brigham said. It was identified as the most expensive building to fully connect in Lakehead’s wireless internet roadmap, and was one of the last major academic buildings without Wi-Fi.
In Thunder Bay, the Advanced Technology Academic Centre (ATAC), the Ryan building, and the CJ Sanders Fieldhouse will all see upgrades. Improvements will be made to most of the first floor of the ATAC, and some of the second floor.
In Orillia, classrooms and study spaces in both Simcoe Hall and Heritage Place will benefit.
Planned work includes upgrading remote video technology to connect the school’s two campuses, as well as guest speakers and lecturers.
The upgrades will benefit students in the faculties of Health Sciences, Engineering, Science and Environmental Studies, and Business, said the university.
Brigham expects work to begin in the spring, and hopes it can be finished by fall, though he noted that will depend partly on supply chain timelines.
Lahama Naeem, president of the Lakehead University Student Union, welcomed the investment.
“Technology and wi-fi are essential tools for student learning and advancement in today's day and age,” she said in a statement. “We are certain that these upgrades will have a lasting impact on students and their experience at Lakehead University.”
The university committed $500,000 for the project, while a joint university-student committee approved an equal amount from Lakehead’s Student Tech Fee dollars, generated through a student ancillary fee.
Lakehead president Moira McPherson said the investment will help the school offer modern learning options.
“The Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ investment significantly increases the enhancements to be made to Lakehead’s collaborative, immersive course delivery technology that will improve access to remote learning tools and opportunities for students at our campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay,” she said.
