SFU arts school gets funding cheque

Vancouver Sun
Simon Fraser University was presented Friday with a $13.3-million cheque as part of a $49.5-million investment by the B.C. government for its School for Contemporary Arts on the old Woodward's site.

"This is not merely a transformation of real estate; this is a crucial element in the transformation and revitalization of an entire community," said Economic Development Minster Colin Hansen Hansen in a press release. "The School of Contemporary Arts will help recruit and retain the creative, talented individuals who are so vital to our future."

The 11,845-square-metre School for the Contemporary Arts will fill five storeys on the southwest corner of West Hastings and Abbott Streets. It will include public space, performance venues, teaching studios, a 400-seat theatre, and a multimedia lounge and lab for new media, the release said.

Warren Gill, SFU's vice-president for university relations, said: "SFU's Contemporary Arts faculty, staff and 1,200 students are counting the days to September 2009 when they will move into their new home.

The new campus is being built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standards. Green roofs are being used throughout the site, and much of the material for the building will have recycled content. The project is being built to last for a century, whereas most buildings have a 30- to 50-year life expectancy, the release said.

The cost of the campus will total $71.5 million. The B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education is providing $36 million.

SFU has launched a fundraising campaign with leadership gifts from chancellor emeritus Milton Wong and Michael Audain to secure the balance. The site for the campus, valued at more than $10 million, has been given to SFU by Westbank Projects Corp. and the Peterson Group, the release said.