A federal infrastructure funding announcement on May 15 included $5.6 million to upgrade the Pacific Forestry Centre in Victoria, a research facility that supports Canada’s forest sector by advancing forest management policy and conducting important research in fields including forest pests, genomics and bioenergy.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Pacific Forestry Centre.

The funding also includes $500,000 to upgrade the Geological Survey of Canada – Pacific laboratory in Sidney, a centre for expertise in land and marine geohazards.

“The infrastructure support announced today will help improve federal laboratories and research facilities on Vancouver Island, further supporting the world-class science and research taking place in Canada,” commented The Honourable Peter Van Loan, leader of the government in the House of Commons.