Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney were on campus on November 20 to reaffirm the Government of Alberta’s investment of $125 million in MacEwan University’s new School of Business building, including fast-tracking $5 million in funding as a result of MacEwan’s progress on the building.

The announcement came as pre-construction work on the site at 109 Street and 105 Avenue wrapped up, positioning the university to break ground for the new building in the spring of 2024.

“It’s always exciting to watch major projects like the MacEwan School of Business move forward,” said Premier Smith. “And while there is still a lot to do on the ground, I want to congratulate MacEwan for their ongoing work to move from planning and design to construction and eventual opening.” 

Funding this project, said the premier, reinforces the message that Alberta is the best place to study, create and do business. 

Minister Sawnhey emphasized the role post-secondary institutions play as economic drivers and how this funding supports that message. “It’s a powerful symbol of the vitality and importance of our post-secondary education system for the whole province.” 

She added that the government’s commitment to funding post-secondary programs and spaces illustrates its desire to “see our economy grow, diversify and fulfill its amazing potential for the benefit of all Albertans.” 

MacEwan holds a unique place in contributing to that growth and diversity – bringing together business and academia, said MacEwan Board of Governors Chair Carolyn Graham. Today, roughly 20,000 people make their way downtown to study and work at MacEwan every day (about one-quarter of Edmonton’s downtown population). By 2030, she said, the university projects that number will grow to 30,000, including an additional 7,500 students who will study in the new building.

“As Alberta’s premiere undergraduate university, we are laser-focused on teaching greatness,” said Graham. “We are committed to creating the opportunities and conditions necessary for our province’s young professionals, leaders, innovators and visionaries to succeed.” She added that the new School of Business building will facilitate even more of those opportunities. 

Rob Seidel, co-chair of the MacEwan Means Business Campaign Cabinet, recognized the dedication of the individuals who have come together to support the project further. 

“As business leaders, city builders and investors who believe in Edmonton, our campaign cabinet members are volunteering their valuable time to help reach our $25 million goal,” said Seidel. He added that the city’s heartbeat is its downtown, and the campaign cabinet knows MacEwan has a critical role in ensuring that heartbeat is strong. “Edmonton’s downtown needs this new building,” said Seidel.

The importance of this building to Edmonton’s downtown was reinforced by O-day’min Ward Councillor Anne Stevenson, who spoke on behalf of Mayor Sohi and city council. 

Dr. Craig Monk, emcee at the event, expressed the university’s gratitude. “We’re grateful to the province of Alberta for accelerating funding to this important project,” said MacEwan’s provost and vice-president, Academic. “I can’t emphasize enough how much it means to this university to have the support of government and our community as we grow.”