UAlberta considering infrastructure consolidation as part of cost-saving measures

Amid funding cuts and the implementation of performance-based funding programs, the University of Alberta is considering accelerating infrastructure consolidation as a cost-saving measure. “Sadly, we will say goodbye to some buildings just because they functionally don’t meet the needs going forward, or they’re in poor shape,” explains UAlberta Vice-President of Facilities and Operations Andrew Sharman. “We can’t afford to keep everything.” Buildings and land holdings that are being considered for sale or lease include the university’s old Administration Building, the Research Transition Facility, the Humanities Centre, and the Human Ecology building. However, in addition to reducing their number of buildings overall, UAlberta is also considering expanding a few, a strategy that is typically less expensive than creating new buildings. The Province (AB)