Province Moves Forward on Milton’s Very First University

Published April 18, 2018 at 1:39 pm

The province is moving forward on the brand new university promised to Milton, one of the fastest growing municipalities in the GTA.

The province is moving forward on the brand new university promised to Milton, one of the fastest growing municipalities in the GTA.

Mitzie Hunter, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, and Indira Naidoo-Harris, Halton MPP and Minister of Education, just announced a new postsecondary site in Milton on April 18.

The province says the academic institution will help improve access to local talent in one of Canada’s fastest growing communities.

Focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), programming will be delivered in partnership between Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College.

The province says the new site will provide up to 2,000 new undergraduate spaces within five to 10 years.

A range of programs will be offered at the new site, including a variety of experiential learning opportunities, co-op placements and unique access to a ‘living laboratory’ on the Greenbelt/Niagara Escarpment.

“Our government is focused on preparing people to take on new challenges in a changing economy, and access to postsecondary education and training is a key part of that,” says Hunter.

“By delivering that access to the Halton Region, we’re building capacity for more people in the area to become highly skilled, educated workers — particularly through the site’s focus on experiential learning and career development.”

Laurier will also develop partnerships with the Milton Chamber of Commerce and its over 700 members to offer students meaningful experiences within the local community.

The province says it will invest $90 million in the new university. 

Halton, and in particular Milton, is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, and is located along what is known as Ontario’s Innovation SuperCorridor–which is home to dense pockets of start-ups, research institutions and world-class talent.

Population growth over the next 20 years is expected to be concentrated in areas in and around the City of Toronto, including York, Peel and Halton Regions. Currently, the combined 18-24 year old population of Halton/Peel is almost 200,000 and is anticipated to grow by almost 20 per cent by 2035.

Ontario has invested $4.1 billion in capital funding for colleges and universities since 2003.

“On behalf of the entire community, I am thrilled to congratulate Wilfrid Laurier University on their successful proposal to build a STEAM-focused, post-secondary site in Milton,” says Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz.

“In a world of life-long learning, the Milton Education Village is a game-changer for our community and we couldn’t have better partners than Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College.”

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