John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology for the Province of British Columbia, announces that the government is committing $7.4 million towards completing the Faculty of Law to be located in the Old Main building.

Today John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology saw first hand the impact the landscape inspired transformation of the campus’s oldest and most utilitarian building has on Thompson Rivers University and the Kamloops’ skyline.

An audience of construction workers, stakeholders, and students and faculty from the TRU Faculty of Law gathered in the semi-complete 40,000 square foot transformation of Old Main, as Yap announced that the government would contribute the $7.4 million needed to complete the project.

“Old Main is an important part of TRU’s campus, and this expansion and rebuilding project is another important step forward in the ongoing development of the university and the services it offers to students,” Yap said. “I know that when it’s complete, the building will provide place for students to have an outstanding educational experience at TRU, and will enable them to secure fulfilling careers.”

“With the support of government, Thompson Rivers University will complete this project without delay,” said Alan Shaver, TRU President and Vice-Chancellor. “This government’s commitment to finishing the project gives a permanent home to our Faculty of Law, and allows us to expand in other areas of priority such as internationalization.”
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Listen to a CBC Radio
interview with Chris Axworthy,
Founding Dean of Law
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Read a Kamloops Daily News story
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Read a Kamloops This Week story
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Watch a CFJC TV story
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REVITALIZATION BACKGROUND
Designed by Diamond and Schmitt, who were motivated by the painting Mount Paul, by, A.Y. Jackson, of the Group of Seven, the two-storey addition to Old Main will be the home for the entire TRU Faculty of Law. LEED Silver is the environmental standard goal set out for the interior fit-out that will include the first Canadian law library created in the digital age, a moot court, lecture theatres and improved disability access.

The total estimated cost for the revitalization is $20 million. The construction of the shell, Phase 1, at a cost of $10 million, is nearly complete. Today’s announcement is destined for Phase 2, the completion of the interior, also at a cost approximately $10 million, the final $2.6. million is expected to be completed through fundraising in the next year.

TRU’s law faculty is now housed in the Brown Family House of Learning, the move into the new space atop Old Main will coincide with the third intake of law students in September 2013.

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See more TRU Law photos
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MORE INFORMATION
Chirstopher Seguin, TRU VP Advancement
(250) 574-0474
cseguin@tru.ca