Georgian College is receiving nearly $1 million from the Ontario government to upgrade its advanced manufacturing research facility in Barrie, part of a province-wide investment of more than $47 million announced Tuesday.
Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Minister Nolan Quinn made the announcement at the Barrie campus. The money will go toward the college's Centre of Industrial Simulation and Prototyping, a facility dedicated to advanced manufacturing research and training, according to Compass News.
The funding flows through the Ontario Research Fund, which is supporting 195 research projects at universities, colleges and hospitals across the province. Recipients can put the money toward infrastructure upgrades, lab renovations and the purchase of advanced research equipment.
In the face of economic uncertainty, Ontario researchers are bolstering our critical industries with discoveries that cement our province as a global leader,
Quinn said at the announcement.
The Centre of Industrial Simulation and Prototyping launched in 2024 and supports local employers by giving them access to technology, testing environments and research expertise. Georgian says the new investment will strengthen its applied research capacity and deepen partnerships with manufacturers across Simcoe County and beyond.
Kevin Weaver, president and CEO of Georgian College, said the funding will expand hands-on opportunities for students while helping regional employers stay competitive.
This funding is an important investment in innovation and in the people who drive it. We're grateful for the Government of Ontario's support to expand our Centre of Industrial Simulation and Prototyping to further strengthen applied research and create even more hands-on learning opportunities for our students.
Weaver said in a statement, according to Compass News.
The province estimates the centre will help create up to 460 jobs while training future workers in advanced manufacturing fields.
"Good-paying local jobs"
Barrie–Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin said the funding will anchor economic growth in the region.
This funding will help researchers and innovators at institutions like Georgian College drive cutting-edge discoveries, create good-paying local jobs, and ensure our region continues to play a vital role in keeping Ontario competitive on the global stage.
Khanjin said, according to Compass News.
The government says projects supported through the broader $47-million investment will focus on sectors including agri-food, critical minerals, information technology, life sciences and manufacturing.
Research projects funded through the Ontario Research Fund are chosen through a competitive peer review process, according to the province.
