Laurier seeks green light for Milton campus in provincial budget

TORONTO, April 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Wilfrid Laurier University released its 2013 pre-budget submission to the Ontario Legislature's Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs today. The submission calls on the Government of Ontario to approve planning funds for a Laurier campus in the Town of Milton.

"A Laurier campus in Milton will address a significant gap in the cultural, social and economic infrastructure in the region," said Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor, Max Blouw. "Access to the knowledge economy is an essential component of sustainable growth and job creation in the western GTA."

The Laurier proposal is well known both within government and the community. It reflects a long-standing partnership between Laurier, the Town of Milton and the Halton Region to bring post-secondary education to Canada's fastest-growing municipality. The proposal also includes Laurier's desire to partner with a community college to provide the broadest possible range of post-secondary options to students and the community.

The proposal benefits from broad-based support and includes a gift of 150 acres of land from the Town of Milton worth an estimated $50 million. The land straddles the greenbelt boundary, bridging one of the GTA's most innovative urban communities and the natural potential of the greenbelt and Niagara Escarpment protected areas. Amenities including a research park, housing, entertainment and retail services will be part of a larger 400-acre privately funded Milton Education Village development.

Demand for a university education in Ontario is at unprecedented levels. There is growing recognition that access to skilled jobs is dependent upon the knowledge and skills gained through post-secondary education.  Laurier is among the fastest growing universities in Canada, with approximately 15,000 students in Waterloo and 3,000 students in Brantford, and it offers an exceptional undergraduate student experience.

"Ontario's future prosperity must be addressed through investment in post-secondary education," said Blouw. "In partnership with the Government of Ontario, Laurier can create new opportunities in Milton that put our students at the centre of the ability of Ontario to be a leader in educating locally for global competitiveness."

To view Laurier's pre-budget submission, please visit: http://bit.ly/11bW5RD

SOURCE: Wilfrid Laurier University

Brian Rosborough, Director: Government Relations Wilfrid Laurier University 
416-306-0866 ext. 5126 or [email protected]

Kevin Crowley, Director: Communications & Public Affairs
Wilfrid Laurier University
519-884-0710 ext. 3070 or [email protected]