Ontario Investing $9,046,700 to Prepare Durham Region Students for In-Demand Jobs

February 19, 2026

Investment will fund modern classrooms and cutting-edge equipment at Durham College and Ontario Tech University needed to build a strong, highly skilled workforce

NEWS	February 19, 2026

DURHAM — The Ontario government is preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow by investing $9,046,700 to upgrade learning facilities at Durham College and Ontario Tech University. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this investment will strengthen the Region of Durham’s pipeline of highly skilled workers by ensuring students have access to the latest equipment and state-of-the-art learning spaces to learn the skills they need for good-paying jobs after graduation.

“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.”

“Funding for Ontario’s colleges and universities has never been higher thanks to investments made by our government through multiple enhancements and upgrades into programs and facilities that ensure students are given every opportunity for success,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “With investments toward Skilled Trade and in-demand programs at both Durham College and Ontario Tech University, as well as much-needed renovations and capital upgrades to their facilities, Durham Region’s post-secondary schools are leading the province in providing students with enhanced learning spaces and skills they will need for well-paying jobs after graduation.”

Durham College will receive an investment of $5,472,600 to support critical infrastructure upgrades, including a roof replacement, boiler replacement, and HVAC improvements.

It will also expand training capacity and enhance skilled trades and technology education through workforce-ready welding technologies, new equipment for Carpentry and Construction programs (such as ladders, clamps, sanders, and routers), and the addition of an autoclave to support Biotechnology and Environmental Technology programs.

Ontario Tech University will receive $3,574,100 to support important facility upgrades, including a Building Automation System upgrade, HVAC replacement, and the installation of a new heat pump. It will also enable the development of a new Engineering Training Lab, expanding hands-on learning opportunities and strengthening skills training for students.

“By upgrading classrooms, modernizing equipment, and expanding hands-on training opportunities, our government is ensuring local students graduate with the skills and experience needed to succeed in in-demand fields,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This funding will strengthen our regional workforce, support economic growth, and help protect Ontario’s future.”

“This historic nine-million-dollar investment ensures students across Durham Region have access to the cutting‑edge facilities and hands‑on training they need to excel in today’s in‑demand fields.” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Member of Provincial Parliament, Pickering-Uxbridge. “By modernizing classrooms and expanding skills-focused learning, we are building a stronger future workforce for Ontario.”

This investment is part of the government’s $242 million to upgrade classrooms and equipment at publicly funded colleges and universities across the province. Institutions can use the funding for major building systems upgrades, heating and ventilating system upgrades, as well as mechanical and electrical system upgrades. The funds can also be used to buy educational tools, such as modernized computers and software for teaching purposes, specialized equipment, or machinery for use in labs, shops and classrooms. As a shared responsibility, part of the capital infrastructure program requires colleges and universities to make matching contributions.

This investment is building offthe record setting funding from the province for the publicly assisted postsecondary sector, including nearly $1 billion to fund over 100,000 more seats in economy-driving programs such as construction, teaching, nursing, and STEM. By expanding key programs and modernizing learning tools, the government is equipping students to lead, innovate and drive in a rapidly evolving economy.

QUOTES

“The Ontario government’s investment in Durham College will have a direct and meaningful impact on our students and communities, strengthening our ability to support sectors vital to the province’s economic growth. This funding ensures learners are training in state-of-the-art facilities with industry-standard equipment, preparing them to be workforce-ready on day one. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the province to ensure Durham College remains strong, innovative and responsive to the needs of our region.”

— Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College

“This investment of more than $3.5M provides a meaningful boost that will help Ontario Tech University continue delivering in-demand STEM education to students in modern, high-quality learning environments. By renewing critical infrastructure and expanding our first-class engineering facilities for students, this funding will expand our hands-on training labs and strengthen the learning experience that our job ready graduates receive while we prepare them for Ontario’s future workforce needs.”

– Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice Chancellor, Ontario Tech University

QUICK FACTS

• 2025 Ontario Budget, the government is investing over $2 billion in capital grants for colleges and universities, protecting Ontario’s future workforce by modernizing facilities with upgraded technology, critical repairs and improved energy efficiency.

• The Facilities Renewal Program provides annual funding to help colleges and universities renew and modernize their campuses by repairing and renovating existing facilities, including major building systems upgrades, roof repairs, heating and ventilating system upgrades, and mechanical and electrical system upgrades. 
• The College Equipment Renewal Fund provides annual funding to help colleges buy and renew instructional equipment and learning resources, such as specialized equipment, machinery or tools for use in labs, shops and classrooms.
• The Training Equipment and Renewal Fund provides annual funding to help universities buy state-of-the-art equipment that supports in-person or virtual learning, helps to meet industry or business standards, or supports enrolment growth.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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