HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-11 Minutes Task Force for Attracting Higher Education Facilities
Minutes of Meeting
Friday, September 11, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.
Meeting Room 1
Present Were: Mayor Jim Abernethy
Bill Humber
Valentine Lovekin (arrived at 1:30 p.m.)
Paul Halliday
Pierre Tremblay
Carlos Salazar, Manager. of Community Planning and Design
Linda Coutu, Executive Assistant to the Mayor
Regrets: Rev. Dr. Dorcas Gordon
Deborah Patrick
David Crome, Director, Planning Services
Mayor Jim Abernethy welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked everyone to introduce
themselves to Mr. Tremblay, who was unable to attend the inaugural meeting.
Mayor Abernethy gave a brief overview of the inaugural meeting and advised that many ideas
were shared. As a result of the first meeting, there was a request to bring Committee Members
up to date pertaining to growth of the community, and a presentation will be provided at this
meeting.
1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Moved by Paul Halliday, seconded by Bill Humber that the minutes of the meeting held on
July 20, 2009,be approved.
"CARRIED„
There was discussion about the name of the committee containing the word"facilities" and
whether or not it could narrow the scope of the committee. It was determined that the meaning
of the word facility is not restricted to a 15-storey high rise or 20 acre learning centre.
2. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Discussion pertaining to the next meeting date was referred to the end of the agenda.
3. PRESENTATION
Carlos Salazar, Manager of Community Planning and Design, gave a presentation to the
committee entitled"Official Plan Review- Compass to our Future". Copies were provided to all
members present.
Discussion ensued pertaining to the presentation and the topics included intensification,
transportation, services and infrastructure. Carlos answered questions posed by the Committee
Members relating to these topics.
There was a lengthy discussion surrounding the type of education facilities that this Committee
should be focusing on. Should the committee try to encourage facilities or programs to
accommodate the existing types of industry or employment in this area or should the focus be
extended to include new employment opportunities.
The committee members discussed the need to develop a coherent collective vision in order to
move forward. There needs to be some process of elimination since it was felt that the objective
needed to be more specific.
Another discussion about whether or not other municipalities were also looking to attract higher
education facilities. It was mentioned that there were opportunities in the Niagara Region,
because of their proximity to the United States. It is cheaper to get an education in Ontario.
Also, the City of Oshawa should be considered a competitor as they already have facilities.
However, it was determined,that this committee could learn from other municipalities.
4. SELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR
The position of Chair of the Committee was on the agenda,however, it was decided that this
should be discussed with all members present. It will be on the next agenda for discussion and,
if needed, it could be decided at the November 5th meeting.
5. OTHER BUSINESS
It was mentioned that the Durham Region Local Training Board prepared a report which
includes statistics pertaining to the levels of education employers require, amongst other things.
A copy of that report will be obtained for the next meeting.
DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
Mayor Jim Abernethy advised that he is unable to attend the next meeting. It was determined that
September 25t" at 2:00 p.m. was best for all members present; therefore the meeting date is
September 25tH
It was determined that the next agenda should include discussion about developing a plan. It was
suggested that a variety of alternative visions should be explored and, with consensus of the
group, a selection would be made. Mayor Abernethy offered the services of Carlos Salazar to act
as facilitator for that portion of the agenda.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Paul Halliday, seconded by Valentine Lovekin, that the meeting be adjourned at
2:45 p.m.
"CARRIED„