KINGSTON, Ont. — Ontario is investing $242 million to upgrade classrooms, labs and training equipment at publicly funded colleges and universities, a move the province says will help students build job-ready skills and strengthen the workforce pipeline during a period of economic uncertainty.
The funding, announced Tuesday by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, is aimed at renewing aging infrastructure and expanding access to modern learning tools across the postsecondary sector. The province said the investment will support maintenance and repairs, as well as the purchase of updated instructional equipment needed in high-demand fields.
“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.”
Ontario said the $242 million package is intended to ensure students can train in state-of-the-art spaces using equipment that reflects current workplace standards. The province framed the spending as part of its broader plan to “protect Ontario,” citing the need to prepare graduates for good-paying jobs after completing their studies.
The investment is being distributed through three separate funding streams.
The largest share — $209.3 million — will flow through the Facilities Renewal Program, which supports maintenance, repairs and upgrades to existing buildings at publicly funded colleges and universities. Ontario said this funding can be used for major building system improvements, including heating and ventilation upgrades, as well as mechanical and electrical work.
A further $21.6 million is being allocated through the College Equipment and Renewal Fund, which is designed to help colleges buy and renew instructional equipment and learning resources. The province said eligible purchases include specialized equipment, machinery, tools, and updated technology for labs, shops and classrooms.
Ontario is also providing $10.8 million through the Training Equipment and Renewal Fund for universities to buy and renew equipment and learning resources that support modern instruction, including tools for virtual and in-person learning.
The government said the capital infrastructure program is a shared responsibility and requires colleges and universities to provide matching contributions toward projects, an approach that is intended to leverage provincial dollars while supporting local planning and accountability.
The announcement was made at Queen’s University in Kingston, where Ontario said a portion of the funding will be used to expand immersive training capabilities for health care students. The province said Queen’s plans include new simulation equipment and infrastructure to provide more experiential and collaborative learning opportunities for future family physicians, nurses and paramedics.
Ontario said the university will purchase high-fidelity mannikins and task trainers — such as IV training arms — along with upgraded audiovisual systems. The province said the enhanced AV capacity will also support remote access and asynchronous course delivery, allowing students to engage with training content beyond traditional classroom settings.
The government positioned the Queen’s investment as part of its broader effort to support workforce development in essential services, including health care, by ensuring training environments match the complexity and pace of real-world work.
Queen’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane said the funding will support innovation in training and research while helping the institution respond to shifting system needs.
“We are grateful to the government for its increased investment in medical research and training, as this allows universities to drive innovation and respond to changing health-care demands. At Queen’s, this funding will further strengthen our leadership in experiential learning, medical simulation, and AI-enabled education, equipping students and researchers with the skills, technologies, and insight needed to collaborate effectively and ultimately deliver better patient care.”
- Patrick Deane
Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University
Sector organizations also welcomed the funding, pointing to the need for up-to-date learning environments as employers seek graduates with practical skills and industry-aligned training.
“This investment will support colleges as they modernize facilities and equip labour-market aligned programs and further enhance high-priority programs, giving students the skills Ontario’s economy needs.”
- Maureen Adamson
President and CEO, Colleges Ontario
“This investment will help Ontario’s universities provide students with modern, high-quality learning environments aligned with high-demand careers. It will support critical facility upgrades to ensure students have access to state-of-the-art industry-standard, in-person and virtual training that prepares them for the jobs Ontario needs.”
- Steve Orsini
President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities
Ontario said the $242 million commitment builds on broader postsecondary funding commitments, including nearly $1 billion to support more than 100,000 additional seats in “economy-driving” programs such as construction, teaching, nursing and STEM. The province said the combined investments are intended to expand training capacity while modernizing campuses to better support enrolment growth and evolving labour market needs.
In its 2025 budget, Ontario committed more than $2 billion in capital grants for colleges and universities, with a focus on technology upgrades, critical repairs and improved energy efficiency. The province said the latest investment continues that approach by supporting renovations and equipment purchases that help institutions keep pace with changing workforce demands.
