Province pledging $45M for new Mac building

McMaster University is getting a major boost from the Ontario government.

$45.5 Million is being given to build a new research facility for humanities and social science students. The new Wilson building, named in honor of McMaster Chancellor Lynton ‘Red’ Wilson, will provide 104,000 square feet of new classrooom space for students, with room to grow for almost 1300 more students.

Colleges and universities minister John Milloy says it’s all part of the McGuinty’s government’s Putting Students First plan.

“This is the start of a longer process, this is a very important start. Where we’re making space at a very important university, one which is known throughout the world, we’re making it in an area where there’s a demand out there from students and aligns with provincial priorities.”

Hamilton Mountain MPP Sophia Aggleonitis calls it a win-win: “…not only for Hamilton and McMaster, it’s a win for our province and it’s also a win for the world.”

A $10 million gift from McMaster Chancellor Lynton Wilson and a $1 million gift from the McMaster Association of Part-Time Students will also go towards the project.

Construction is slated to begin in 2013.