Griffiths Stadium to receive $3M for upgrades
Funding to revamp lighting, field at U of S part of provincial stimulus package
Griffiths Stadium on the University of Saskatchewan campus will receive more than $3 million in upgrades as part of the provincial government’s $7.5-billion stimulus package announced earlier this month.
A total of more than $17 million in funding was announced for three projects at post-secondary institutions: $3.1 million for upgrades to the field and lighting at Griffiths Stadium, $2.5 million for a roof replacement at the University of Regina’s College of Kinesiology, and $12 million for renovations to multiple buildings at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Moose Jaw campus.
“An investment in physical infrastructure pays off in two ways,” Advanced Education Minister Tina Beaudry-mellor said Wednesday in a statement.
“By upgrading bricks and mortar, we safeguard our public institutions for the long term and provide much-needed construction jobs over the short term. More people working puts more money back into our economy and generates lasting benefits for the community.”
The field at Griffiths Stadium will be expanded to accommodate soccer and rugby; energy efficient lighting will be added, and the stadium turf will be replaced “to ensure a safe playing surface that can meet accreditation,” according to the province.
The Moose Jaw project will include renovations to the facilities that house the construction, electrical, welding, automotive and civil water programs.
According to the province, the roof replacement on the U of R campus will prevent further damage to floors in the gymnasium and will protect other parts of the building.
Construction is expected to begin this year and finish on all three sites by the spring of 2022, the province said.
“As we reopen Saskatchewan and emerge from the pandemic, it is important to look to the future,” Beaudry-mellor said.
“These projects increase our post-secondary capabilities and reinforce our commitment to students’ safety and well-being in both academic and athletic pursuits.”