University of Guelph Bioproducts Centre Receives $2 Million

GUELPH Ontario - November 16, 2012 - U of G News Release - The University of Guelph’s Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC) received $2 million today from the federal government.

The funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) will be used to purchase equipment and to expand the centre. BDDC scientists turn plant materials into resins, polymers and tough fibres to make biobased plastics and bioproducts.

The funding was announced in Guelph today by Diane Finley, minister of human resources and skills development and regional minister for southwestern Ontario, on behalf of Gary Goodyear, minister of state.

Finley said the money will help “ensure that researchers have the tools they need to develop and assess new bio-based products that have tremendous commercial applications” and will help provide new jobs.

U of G president Alastair Summerlee added:

“This is an investment in the future. It will allow us to expand and enhance the BDDC, where scientists from across the disciplines are working together on viable solutions to some of today’s most pressing problems. They are finding new uses for agricultural products, creating green alternatives and making Canada a world leader in the field.”

The centre opened in October 2008. Researchers study ways to use soy, wheat, corn and other crops to make everything from car parts and furniture to fuel. They also investigate new crops for use in composite materials. They hope planted-based materials will help reduce our dependency on petroleum-based products.

Rob Gordon, dean of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College, said the BDDC supports and important and evolving role for agriculture.

“It’s a catalyst for innovative green products that will ultimately enhance the value of Ontario’s agriculture sector. It also provides a training environment that will help to further position Ontario as a global leader in bioproducts.”

The BDDC is directed by Amar Mohanty, a professor in U of G’s Department of Plant Agriculture and School of Engineering and holder of the Premier’s Research Chair in Biomaterials and Transportation.

“Bioproducts are the wave of the future,” Mohanty said. “We sincerely thank FedDev Ontario for this timely contribution that will accelerate the creation of innovative green biomaterials-based solutions to create a sustainable competitive advantage for businesses in our province and beyond in the fast-growing bioeconomy.”

Created in 2009 under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, FedDev Ontario is intended to help businesses and communities in southern Ontario to compete globally.

Province Invests $1.4 Million in Ridgetown Campus

GUELPH, Ontario May 24, 2011 - University of Guelph News Release

The University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus — experiencing the highest enrolment in its 60 years — has received more than $1.4 million from the provincial government for a new student service and recruitment centre.

The funding was announced today in Ridgetown, Ont., by Pat Hoy, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Essex, and John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

“Ontario’s economy is turning the corner to a better tomorrow, and the McGuinty government’s investment in the Ridgetown Campus is an investment in Ontario’s future prosperity,” Milloy said.

Hoy added: “I’m pleased that the McGuinty government continues to invest heavily in the Ridgetown community. Today’s announcement builds on the millions of dollars of wise funding we’ve delivered for this community and this region.”

The new centre has also received support from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO), and the Ridgetown Campus Agri-Food Foundation.

“This is an investment that will have a resounding impact,” said U of G president Alastair Summerlee. “The Ridgetown Campus is an innovation hub and a driving force in the regional economy. We are extremely grateful to the provincial government for this assistance; the timing could not be better.”

Enrolment at the Ridgetown Campus has increased by unprecedented levels — 30 per cent in the past three years alone. The campus will see its largest-ever graduating class in June, and the trend is expected to continue.

“Ridgetown is proving to be an attractive option for students across Ontario, especially during this period of a changing economy,” Summerlee said. “Our goal is providing our students with the best possible teaching and learning environment.”

As part of U of G’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), the Ridgetown Campus offers degree, diploma and certificate programs supporting agriculture, food, veterinary technology and environmental management. Enrolment in the agriculture diploma programs has nearly doubled in the past two years, and the campus forecasts additional growth.

“This new facility will allow us to further enhance the quality of the educational experience that we deliver to our students and also support the greater demands for classroom space and services on the campus,” said Rob Gordon, OAC dean.

The building will double as a careers centre and as a welcome venue for prospective students and their parents. It will also hold conferences and other campus and community events. The project will combine new construction and renovation that will make better use of the existing Reek Administration Building.

The Ridgetown Campus Agri-Food Foundation will continue working with the campus to raise funds for the centre’s construction, which will cost about $3.2 million.

Ridgetown numbers about 700 students, 10 professional faculty and 130 staff. The campus joined U of G in 1997 under the enhanced partnership between the University and OMAFRA. Campus facilities are owned by ARIO and supported financially by both OMAFRA and ARIO.

“It’s a unique collaboration,” said Rich Moccia, associate vice-president (strategic partnerships). “The synergy is enhancing and advancing education and training opportunities in the agri-food and veterinary field to the benefit of all Ontarians.”