HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-20 Minutes I - 1
Task Force for Attracting Higher Education Facilities
Minutes of Inaugural Meeting
Monday, July 20, 2009
Bobby C's Restaurant
Present Were: Mayor Jim Abernethy
Bill Humber
Rev. Dr. Dorcas Gordon
Deborah Patrick
Valentine Lovekin
Paul Halliday
David Crome, Director, Planning Services
Linda Coutu, Executive Assistant to the Mayor
Regrets: Pierre Tremblay
Mayor Jim Abernethy welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked everyone to introduce
themselves and share some background information with the committee.
Mayor Abernethy advised that energy and science are not the only focus of this committee. In
fact, Holburn Biomedical Corporation, The University of Ontario Institute of Technology and
Lakeridge Health have already formed a partnership in the joint development of research and
training opportunities in the area of medical diagnostics. This partnership will build on UOIT's
existing Health Science program, the Lakeridge Health Education and Research Program and
Holburn's expertise and medical laboratory facilities.
Mayor Abernethy also mentioned that the Nuclear New Build is delayed,but not indefinitely.
This major project will drive the need for educated employees at OPG. There are currently a
large percentage of OPG employees who will be ready to retire within the next ten years.
Discussion ensued pertaining to what sector the committee should focus on, such as, arts;
science; and technology. It was suggested that perhaps a different niche should be considered.
Trent University is establishing a campus in Oshawa to have a stronger liberal arts program. It
was also mentioned that the committee should try to build upon strengths that are already here;
campuses that compliment what has already been established.
There was further discussion about how Universities and Colleges make decisions on expanding
their programs. Members of the Committee provided different perspectives on the type of
facility or opportunity that may exist. It was determined that there is no standard model and that
it can vary from school to school.
The position of Chair of the Committee was mentioned and it was agreed that the committee
members would choose a chair from amongst themselves.
Further discussion ensued pertaining to the potential location of a higher education facility and
there was a general consensus that it would be dependent on the type of facility that is targeted.
Potential sites were within the Energy Park; Science and Technology Park; downtown
Bowmanville (e.g. Bowmanville Sr. Public School) or Camp 30/Training School lands.
David Crome agreed to provide an overview of areas that growth is permitted in Clarington.
This presentation will be made at the next meeting.
General discussion revolved around funding. The Federal government's revitalization/stimulus
package would require"shovel ready"projects and therefore this project would not qualify.
The committee decided upon the dates for the next three meetings, as follows.
Friday, September 11th at 1:00 p.m. in Committee Room IA
Friday, September 25th at 2:00 p.m. in Committee Room lA
Thursday, November 5th at 2:00 p.m. in Committee Room lA
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.