U of T to upgrade 47% of its research lab space

The Univ of Toronto will spend $189.8 million over the next two years to upgrade nearly half of its research labs through its Lab Innovation for Toronto project. Funding is being provided by the federal government ($83.7 million) through its $2-billion Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, the Government of Ontario ($14.3 million) and internal university resources ($91.8 million). U of T estimates that the labs slated for renovation are an average of 50 years old, accounting for more than 50,000-sq-m of "inefficient space". Renovation was considered a preferable option as the cost of building all-new labs is estimated at $650 million. In addition to modernizing the labs, improvements will also be made to air, climate and electrical systems, providing enhanced research and learning environments….