Should Government Support New Laurier Campus In Milton?

Wilfrid Laurier University’s proposal for a new campus in Milton merits the Provincial Government’s support, says Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.

“On March 18, I met with representatives from Wilfrid Laurier University, including its President, Dr. Max Blouw, to discuss Laurier’s proposal for a new campus in Milton,” Mr. Arnott told MPPs in a statement in the Ontario Legislature on April 7.

Laurier’s vision includes a 400 acre Milton Education Village, which would be a purpose-built, fully integrated urban community of education, research, and commercialization, with complementary residential and commercial development and amenities.

Mr. Arnott pointed out that Milton’s location makes it ideally suited for a new university campus.

“A new Laurier campus in Milton would go a long way towards improving access to post-secondary education in our area,” Mr. Arnott said. “As a neighbouring community to the Town of Halton Hills, Milton is also located close to Guelph and Wellington County, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, and Hamilton.”

Milton is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. By 2031, the population of Milton is expected to grow to 228,000, up from 54,000 in 2006.

“The population of Halton Region is expected to exceed one million people by 2041, underscoring the need for new, local post-secondary education opportunities,” Mr. Arnott argued. “What better place to locate a new university campus?”

Mr. Arnott noted that the Region of Halton has identified the Laurier Milton campus as one its top priorities for Provincial Government action and that the Town of Halton Hills Council was also enthusiastic.

“As a Laurier alumnus, I share their excitement and fully support their proposal, and I urge the Government to get behind it as well,” Mr. Arnott concluded.