MPP Arnott reiterates call for new Laurier campus in Milton – Speech
Text of Mr. Arnott’s Statement in the Ontario Legislature,
October 6, 2016
Mr. Speaker, on September 27, Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown and I met with
representatives from Wilfrid Laurier University here at Queen’s Park to discuss their proposal for
a new university campus in Milton.
Laurier’s Milton campus would be leading-edge, and would showcase environmental
sustainability, planning excellence, and be a hub of innovation, culture, learning, and discovery.
It would support the jobs and economy of the future.
It would also provide students throughout the western GTA, including in our Riding of
Wellington-Halton Hills, with another option to access high-quality post-secondary education
close to home.
According to the university, the 150 acre Laurier Milton campus would be the centre point of a
400 acre Milton Education Village – a purpose built, fully integrated community of education,
research, and commercialization, with complementary residential and commercial development
and amenities.
It is my understanding that land has been secured at no cost to government, land-use planning
is well underway, and infrastructure servicing has been secured. This means that the project
can proceed to the planning design phase as soon as provincial support is announced and the
initial funding is allocated.
As we all know, the Region of Halton is one of the fastest growing communities in all of Canada.
Its population is expected to exceed one million by 2041. This makes it an ideal location for a
new university campus.
The Halton-area MPPs, myself included, Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr, Regional Council,
Town of Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette and Town Council are all very enthusiastic about this
exciting proposal.
I urge the Government to get behind our vision of a Laurier Milton campus. Let us work together
to build the promise of the future.