The University of Montreal unveiled its new sciences complex Friday - meeting both the $348 million budget and the schedule.
The imposing complex, located in Outremont, includes 190 research laboratories and 16 research chairs.
Premier Francois Legault was at its inauguration, alongside Minister of Economy and Innovation Pierre Fitzgibbon, U of M President Guy Breton, Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante, and many other academics and opposition Liberal MNAs.
The project was launched under the previous Liberal government.
The $350 million complex project was launched thanks to a $145 million injection of funds from the Quebec government, $84 million from Canada and $116 million from the university.
The university funds came mainly from philanthropic donations.
To build the science complex, the land in the area was decontaminated, a water retention pond installed, and streets, parks and a railway bridge built.
The project is part of the vast redevelopment work for the former Outremont Yard.
Legault praised the project emphasizing that he wanted to bring academia and business together to foster innovation.
He spoke of the need to combat a certain culture that opposes university education and business.
"We do not have enough patents per 1,000 citizens," he said, inviting young people to pursue scientific studies.
This report by the Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2019.
