Ontario will invest $90 million in a new post-secondary education campus in Milton featuring education and training programs delivered through a partnership between Conestoga and Wilfrid Laurier University.
Conestoga President John Tibbits (left) joined Wilfrid Laurier University President and Vice Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy, and government officials as Ontario announced a $90 million investment in new a post-secondary campus in Milton, featuring programs delivered through a partnership between Conestoga and Wilfrid Laurier University.
The announcement was made on April 18 at the Milton Education Village (MEV) Innovation Centre by Mitzie Hunter, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, and Indira Naidoo-Harris, Halton MPP and Minister of Education.
The 150-acre campus will focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) programming, and provide up to 2,000 undergraduate spaces in five to 10 years.
“Milton is at the heart of Ontario’s Innovation Supercorridor and is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada,” said Minister Naidoo-Harris. “The expansion of post-secondary education here will drive innovation and opportunity, and grow the local community. This new campus creates a path forward for young people, businesses and the Halton Region.”
Deborah MacLatchy, President and Vice Chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University, described today’s announcement as an exciting step towards the realization of a long-term vision.
“Laurier and the Town of Milton have been working towards this goal for more than a decade,” MacLatchy said. “I want to thank our municipal colleagues, area residents and our many partners who have worked so hard to bring post-secondary education to this vibrant community.”
Building on the successful partnership between Laurier and Conestoga in Brantford, the expansion to Milton will replicate the delivery of innovative programming, improved student pathways and the seamless provision of student services.
“We appreciate the Government of Ontario’s investment in the Laurier-Conestoga partnership in Milton,” said Conestoga President John Tibbits. “We look forward to working with our academic, industry and government partners to deliver relevant, accessible, career-focused learning programs that support the needs of the community, contribute to personal and professional success, and contribute to economic growth for the region.”
Program delivery in Milton will begin in September 2019, with the new building projected to open for the 2021-22 academic year.