SAIT is, by 2025, to become the new home of the Alberta Construction Technologies Centre focusing on improving automation and advanced material technologies for Alberta construction companies.

Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal, on behalf of PrairiesCan minister Dan Vandal, made the announcement at the post-secondary institution that the federal government would be investing $2.594 million towards the creation of the centre via the Regional Innovation Ecosystems program.

“Construction is a major driver of Alberta’s economy, employing thousands of workers and contributing billions in economic activity,” said Chahal.

“This hub of innovation will include laboratories and specialized equipment where industry partners can develop, test and commercialize innovative technologies that improve efficiencies in the construction industry. The result will be faster construction of housing and infrastructure that is of high quality and with less environmental impact.”

Chahal, who worked in the construction industry prior to being elected, said that he remembered when the average home building time in the city was less than six months.

He said that the new centre would provide alternatives for construction industry partners to speed up construction times for homes, which have risen to over 14 months in Calgary.

“We have to use every tool that we have available to build homes, but we also need to work and find new opportunities and technologies. I think this centre will provide a catalyst to the construction industry and a partnership for the 50 businesses and all the students that are going to be involved working and learning here,” Chahal said.

The centre is expected to support 50 small- and medium-sized businesses, create 50 new jobs, and train 60 students over the next four years.