Ottawa gives Memorial University's new Battery Facility $4.5M

The federal government is helping Memorial University of Newfoundland develop its new property on Signal Hill.

Minister of Public Services and Procurement Judy Foote was in St. John's Friday to announce $4.5 million to support Memorial University's $25 million Battery Facility initiative.

"The Government of Canada is committed to partnering with other levels of government and educational institutions to ensure federal programs support innovation, scientific research and entrepreneurship, to create lasting and meaningful impacts in our communities," said Foote, the Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity.
 
Memorial University's Office of Public Engagement plans to use the Battery Facility to become a public engagement and innovation hub with provincial, national and international connectivity.
 
"The Battery Facility will provide the university with new ways to connect with municipalities, businesses, not-for-profit organizations and community enterprises and increase rural capacity to participate in discussions related to economic development, innovation, productivity, and trade and export," says a news release.

An accessible space, both physically and technologically, for public engagement and innovation.- Dr. Gary Kachanoski

The Battery Facility, which was once a hotel, will be home to the Gardiner Centre, the Genesis Centre and the Harris Centre.
 
"MUN's President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gary Kachanoski said, "This support from the Government of Canada, through ACOA, will help Memorial continue to fulfil its special obligation to the people of this province, providing an accessible space, both physically and technologically, for public engagement and innovation.