HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-06 Minutes~-6
Task Force for Attracting Higher Education Facilities
Minutes of Meeting
Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 7:30 a.m.
Meeting Room lA
Present Were: Paul Halliday
Dorcas Gordon
Pierre Tremblay
Bill Humber
Staff: Mayor Jim Abernethy
Faye Langmaid, Manager of Special Projects, Planning Services
Linda Coutu, Executive Assistant to the Mayor
Regrets: Valentine Lovekin
Deborah Patrick
Dorcas Gordon chaired the meeting.
1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of March 4, 2010 were approved by consensus.
2. PRESENTATION OF ALTERNATE SITES - FAYE LANGMAID
Faye Langmaid provided a presentation to the committee outlining ten alternate sites that maybe
suitable for a higher education facility. Faye went on to list the advantages and disadvantages
associated with each site, which would ultimately be dependent on the final use.
Discussion ensued pertaining to the advantages and disadvantages of each site. and speculation as
to what type of use these sites could accommodate.
Preferences were stated for a site which would have future expansion capabilities; located
conveniently to transit; a downtown location would appeal to students; and the potential
availability of funding.
Dorcas Gordon thanked Faye Langmaid for her detailed presentation on alternate sites.
NOMINATION OF CHAIR
Dorcas Gordon advised that Paul Halliday will let his name stand as Chair of the Task Force for
Attracting Higher Education Facilities. Paul was unanimously elected as the Chair of the
Committee.
4. DRAFT DISCUSSION PAPER -PAUL HALLIDAY
Dorcas Gordon remained in the Chair as Paul Halliday provided a brief overview of his
discussion paper. Discussion ensued pertaining to the discussion paper and how the Committee
should move forward.
It was agreed that the Municipality of Clarington will have clear and significant opportunities for
growth in the immediate future. The group shares a sense that in this emerging growth story, a
college or university campus can contribute to the economic, social and cultural fabric of the
cormnunity. Discussion continued and it was suggested that strong recommendations beoutlined
in order to fulfill the Committee's mandate which will assist in preparation of a final report to
Council.
Paul Halliday advised that Mr. Brien Desbiens, who will be the guest speaker at the next
meeting, will assist the Committee with the task of producing a plan. Mr. Desbiens is in a
position to offer advice from a College perspective. The committee members agreed that Mr.
Desbiens' experience could assist theirs with some unanswered questions about the process of
attracting a higher education facility.
5. NEXT MEETING(S)
Paul Halliday suggested that a "working meeting" be arranged following the May 20th meeting in
order to draft a plan.
Scheduled Meeting Dates:
Thursday, May 20th at 7:30 a.m.
Tuesday, June 29th at 5:00 p.m. (sandwiches will be provided).
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 a.m.