Carrot River native Joseph Remai has donated $25 million to Sask Polytech. (Submitted/Saskatchewan Polytechnic)

By Cam Lee

Huge donation

Joseph Remai donates $25 million to Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Apr 12, 2024 | 2:21 PM

A massive donation to Saskatchewan Polytechnic from a man with local roots.

The school has received a gift of $25 million from Joe Remai, with the new Saskatoon campus to be built at Innovation Place to be named Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus.

The well-known philanthropist and real-estate developer grew up on a farm in the Carrot River area along with his ten siblings. After graduating with an engineering degree, Joe started Remai Construction with his brother Frank, leading to a hugely successful construction and development career. Remai built thousands of rental and condominium units, hotels, and commercial properties during his six decades in the business.

Remai has also supported many worthwhile endeavours in healthcare, arts and culture, cause-based social agencies, and post-secondary education sectors over the years through generous donations.

“Joe Remai is unparalleled. He is an inspiring real estate developer with a remarkable career, who’s been a long-time supporter and friend of Saskatchewan Polytechnic,” Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO, said in a news release. “This is an investment from the heart, with a return that will create positive impact for decades to come including great jobs, thriving families and economic prosperity across our province. Our new campus name is a fitting legacy for an individual whose generosity and vision will benefit students and communities well into the future. This is a wonderful honour for Saskatchewan Polytechnic.”

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This wasn’t Joe Remai’s first donation to Sask Polytech. He donated $5 million to the school back in 2019.

Joe’s son Barry said the new campus will provide world-class facilities and programs for decades to come.

“It will bolster the province’s post-secondary system and better provide students with the skills and training needed to succeed in today’s ever-changing world. Joe could not be happier to contribute to the success of this project,” said Barry.

In the release, Sask Polytech said they are eternally grateful for Remai’s “exceptional generosity and unwavering commitment to advancing post-secondary education and the construction industry. This transformative gift will empower countless students to excel in their chosen fields.”

This historic gift supports Sask Polytech’s $100 million Time to Rise campaign.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK