Here’s the Latest With Milton’s University Campus
Published March 12, 2018 at 4:50 pm
The province is still contemplating the creation of a Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) campus in Milton.
The province is still contemplating the creation of a Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) campus in Milton.
The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development “is currently working through the decision-making process,” said spokeswoman Tanya Blazina.
“A public announcement will be made in the coming months.”
The decision was expected in fall 2017.
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Milton and Brampton were selected as the host communities for Ontario’s Major Capacity Expansion project to establish a university presence in under-serviced, high-growth areas in Halton and Peel back in October 2016.
The Ontario government said it was investing up to $180 million in the sites.
Laurier’s ‘expression of interest’ was submitted and in March 2017, the province announced Laurier, in partnership with Conestoga College, was the sole applicant to formally express interest in developing a post-secondary site in Milton.
Ryerson University, along with Sheridan College, was the sole applicant to formally express interest in developing the Brampton site.
The schools will focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), “and these new university sites will help to develop Ontario’s highly skilled workforce by increasing experiential learning opportunities, assisting students to acquire the talent and skills they need to thrive in the knowledge economy, and encouraging partnerships in high-demand fields,” according to the province.
Laurier’s final proposal was endorsed by the university’s Senate and Board of Governors in Sept. 2017.
It was submitted to the province on Oct. 2, 2017.
“Discussions about Laurier establishing a presence in Milton have have been progressing well,” said Laurier’s associate director of communications and public affairs Lori Chalmers Morrison.
“We are awaiting an announcement from the province about its plans to expand postsecondary education in Milton and Brampton.”
But when?
“We haven’t been given specific timing by the province,” she said.
Town of Milton spokeswoman Jodie Sales said she has “no update.”
Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) has been working with the Town of Milton and other public and private-sector partners for about 10 years to develop plans for a local university campus.
In 2014, the town extended the original memorandum of understanding (established in 2008) and agreed to donate 150 acres of land – worth $50 million – to the university as part of its endorsement of the Laurier Milton campus plan.
The 150-acre Laurier Milton campus is slated to be the focal point of the 400-acre Milton Education Village (MEV). It’s billed as a purpose-built, fully integrated community with a campus, innovation centre, integrated transit hub, housing, plus commercial development and amenities.
The formal announcement by the province will include details on cost and how funding will be split between Milton and Brampton.
The Town of Milton and WLU established a memorandum of understanding in 2008 (renewed in 2014), with the intent of developing a university campus within the Milton Education Village.
The 400-acre integrated neighbourhood will be located within the boundaries of Derry Rd., Tremaine Rd., and Britannia Rd., adjacent to the Niagara Escarpment.
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