UNews - Alberta provincial government

Additional dollars to complete stadium project

trevor.kenney — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:00:50 +0000

The partnerships needed to construct the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Regional Stadium and Field Complex were on full display this past weekend when a major funding hurdle was cleared with help of the Alberta provincial government.

Minister of Culture and Community Spirit, Lindsay Blackett, was in Lethbridge to announce an additional $1.3 million investment in the facility, allowing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to complete the project to the full scope it had intended.

"Sports and recreation are important aspects of community connectedness," said Blackett to a crowd of onlookers that included members of potential user groups, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ supporters and City of Lethbridge representatives. "This new multi-use sports field complex will provide athletes and spectators alike with a gathering place to share their love of sport."

Funds will assist with the construction of the sports complex, including a new football/soccer field, track and field facilities, and a 2,000-seat grandstand. The new complex will help meet the sport and recreational needs of Lethbridge and surrounding communities.

"Lethbridge and its neighbouring communities are in need of a new sports complex," said Greg Weadick, MLA Lethbridge-West.

"Southern Alberta has a long-standing tradition of excellent local football programs and this new stadium will provide the opportunity for both players and spectators to be part of continued growth of community sports programs in a modern facility. A number of communities, organizations and individuals worked together on this important project, and I want to thank everyone for their hard work and co-operation."

"We are very pleased the Government of Alberta has chosen to invest an additional $1.3 million in this significant community project," ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Bill Cade said.

"Their financial support allows us to put the finishing touches on this facility, and to present a high-quality asset to the community. We are looking forward to hosting our first high school football game in mid-September, and also to having our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ track and field, soccer and national championship women's rugby team having an excellent place to play and call home."

The facility is slated to be open for play later this summer with the first major events being the start of the Southern Alberta High School Football League schedule. The facility's grand opening weekend is Sept. 25-26.

The provincial government has contributed a total of $3.3 million to the project (the first $2 million was presented in 2008) from its Major Community Facilities Program (MCFP). Started in 2007-08, the MCFP was a two-year $280-million lottery-funded program that helped municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and Aboriginal communities plan, upgrade or build major public-use facilities that enhance community life.

The funds were provided on a matching basis, meaning a great deal of community support was required to make the grant possible.

The Government of Alberta has a wide variety of community investment programs that create stronger and safer communities.

President Cade addresses economic climate

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:14:29 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade discusses the uncertain economic climate in relation to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community

Dr. Bill Cade

We are all aware that we are living in very uncertain economic times. There are daily stories about businesses scaling back budgets, laying off workers and even closing their doors. I want to assure you that our Board, Senior Administration and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Budget Committee are planning very cautiously for next year with the assumption that our provincial operating grant funding will increase by 6 per cent and our enrolments will remain stable.

The Department of Advanced Education and Technology has informed us that we should plan with this budget increase in mind until, and if, we are informed otherwise. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Budget Committee has also considered other funding scenarios and we are, of course, monitoring closely the Alberta provincial government budget and the anticipated funding announcements to post-secondary institutions. The 6 per cent increase depends on the provincial economy and how that translates into the overall Government of Alberta budget. We will learn more about this in the coming weeks and keep everyone informed.

The overall economy is something that we have little control over, but our ability to meet and maintain our enrolment is very much in our hands. We can ensure we have the right number of students in the right programs come September. I understand that applications are fewer in number from graduating high school students for post-secondary education at many institutions, including the U of L.

This is where we can actively influence the future of our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. It is important we focus on our recruitment practices and continue to enlighten high school graduates about all the opportunities the U of L provides. We must also concentrate on retaining the students we have and continue to provide them with the highest-quality education possible. This means that everybody, our entire staff and faculty, has the opportunity and responsibility to enhance the student experience even more so.

There are many factors that play into the enrolment scenario; among them is the growth of other degree opportunities within Alberta. As we all know, our students are our ambassadors, both within the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and beyond. They will decide individually whether to follow their degree path to its conclusion here, and they influence their peers about the U of L experience.

I believe we do a very good job of engaging our students already and I am confident in the quality of our faculty members and our program offerings, but there is always room for improvement. All of us have worked to better the U of L continually over our 42-year history. In my opinion this has resulted in the creation of one of the best comprehensive and student-oriented university environments. Recently released data from CUSC affirms that our students believe this too.

We have carved a unique identity here at the U of L and it is one that connects with its students as well as the southern Alberta community. The recently held Donor Recognition Gala showcased the new Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building. This event once again highlighted the valuable relationship that exists between the U of L and the community and allowed us to thank our donors for their commitment to supporting our students and faculty and furthering research.

We have so much to be proud of here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and by always searching for innovative ways to engage our students and connect with the community, we will ensure the continued growth of the institution.

Please remember, "quality will prevail," especially during times of economic uncertainties.

We have a very high quality ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, but we must never rest on our laurels.

Again, please stay tuned and we will keep you informed of funding and enrolment issues as we receive the information.

This column originally appeared in the February 2009 issue of the Legend

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ steadfast in uncertain economic times

trevor.kenney — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:12:04 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade chats about what's happening in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community

We are all aware that we are living in very uncertain economic times. There are daily stories about businesses scaling back budgets, laying off workers and even closing their doors. I want to assure you that our Board, Senior Administration and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Budget Committee are planning very cautiously for next year with the assumption that our provincial operating grant funding will increase by 6 per cent and our enrolments will remain stable.

Please remember, "quality will prevail," especially during times of economic uncertainties.

We have a very high quality ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, but we must never rest on our laurels.
Again, please stay tuned and we will keep you informed of funding and enrolment issues as we receive the information.

UNews - Alberta provincial government

Additional dollars to complete stadium project

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President Cade addresses economic climate

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��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ steadfast in uncertain economic times

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��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ steadfast in uncertain economic times