Portage College received word from the Ministry of Innovation and Advanced Education that a $1.5 million one-time capital grant would be issued to help complete the Food Sciences Centre in St. Paul.

The money will help address additional unforeseen renovation costs in the building's second floor.

"We are thrilled to be working with our government to bring the first Food Sciences Centre to Alberta," said Dr. Trent Keough, CEO and President of Portage College. "This is a very exciting day for our institution."

The renovations will begin immediately on the facility as the College anticipates the grand opening of the new Food Science Centre in Fall 2014.

"Renovations will continue throughout the Fall and Winter semesters, but the Centre will be open and operational for the Fall intake of students," Keough said.

Portage College will be offering five new Food Science programs at the institution: Culinary Arts Diploma, Food Processing Technician diploma, Institutional Cook Certificate, Baker Certificate and Meat Processing Certificate.</