For years, Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses have been composed of a central facility and satellite buildings for some of its programs throughout the cities they reside in. Now, the campus in Saskatoon will have all its programs housed in a brand new, centralized location. The Government of Saskatchewan announced a new, state of the art complex will be developed at Innovation Place on the University of Saskatchewan Main Campus. The two post-secondary institutions are entering into a partnership with the government, who is planning on a $200 million injection of funds.
"This visionary project will attract more students, talent and investment to Saskatoon and the province," Advanced Education Minister Gordon Wyant said. "It will help prepare more job-ready graduates who can support vital public services like health care and contribute to Saskatchewan's strong, growing economy and long-term prosperity."
"A new Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus in Saskatoon is a once-in-a generation opportunity to create a 21st century, modern learning environment that supplies the expert workforce for existing and emerging industries," Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said. "It will increase program capacity and create a skilled talent pipeline to help grow the economy and increase our competitiveness in attracting investment to Saskatchewan and Canada."
Innovation Place has been recognized as an incubator for innovative technologies in the province. The presence of Sask Polytech at the site will solidify that stronghold and make Saskatchewan an even more attractive place for learners and researchers.
“We are pleased to support the Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic on plans to create a new centralized Saskatoon campus to be developed in the future at Innovation Place,” USask President Peter Stoicheff said. “This ambitious co-location initiative provides a new home for Saskatchewan Polytechnic and in the process will strengthen the city’s growing innovation corridor by increasing the potential for visionary collaboration among Saskatchewan Polytechnic, USask and Innovation Place.”
The 2023-24 Provincial Budget provided $6 million for planning and design. Since 2018-19, the province has provided $11.4 million for planning and design work related to the project, which the government says aligns closely with Saskatchewan's Growth Plan goals.
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