Brock Announces Plan to Pursue a Modern Campus in the Hamilton-Burlington-Oakville Region
Please see below a media release issued by Brock University — Communications and Public Affairs.13 November 2019R00181Brock University — Communications & Public AffairsBrock University, which has had a teaching presence in Hamilton for more than 30 years, is embarking on a search for more modernized facilities in the Hamilton-Burlington-Oakville (HBO) corridor.The University will maintain operations at its current Hamilton campus until at least Spring 2021, but is exploring options and locations for contemporary, purpose-built accommodations that will meet the changing needs of learners.The Hamilton campus, located on King Street East, will be listed for sale in the coming days. A 1960s high school that Brock acquired in 2000, it has been used primarily for teacher education. Through the years, it has educated thousands of teachers for school districts in Hamilton-Wentworth, Halton, Grand Erie and Dufferin-Peel, amongst others.
"A 21st-century learning and teaching environment will allow the University to meet the growing needs of schools for professionally-educated leaders, and serve the educational needs of our diverse communities for adult and graduate education." — Michael Owens, Dean of Education
Greg Finn, Brock’s Provost and Vice-President Academic, said the University wants a new facility in the region to accommodate a wider scope of programs, and that updating the Hamilton property to fulfill that mission would be cost-prohibitive.He said the current site, on seven acres of land near the Red Hill Expressway, should have appeal as a development opportunity in Hamilton’s east end.
"Investing in modern, purpose-built facilities is a more sensible use of resources, and will directly benefit current and future students as well as faculty members. Exploring new facilities also gives us an opportunity to expand program offerings for full-time and part-time students in the HBO region." — Greg Finn, Provost and Vice-President Academic
President Gervan Fearon said the University’s Strategic Plan commits Brock to making a priority of providing “a transformational and accessible academic and student experience.”
"This will be a guiding principle in our selection and determination of a new location. These developments reflect Brock's role in post-secondary education across the region. Our enrolment growth, and our record for graduates finding jobs and career success, support the vitality and competitiveness of employers in these communities." — Gervan Fearon, Brock University President
Finn said the University will consider different options that align with its mission and are within an affordable basis. He said creating a modern campus that enhances student experience, strengthens communities and encourages commuter access is consistent with Brock’s Strategic Plan and its balanced budget planning process.-30-MAYOR MEED WARD'S TAKE:I would welcome any post-secondary institution to Burlington and it would be great to have them in our city. Attracting universities and colleges is in our strategic plan and on my wish list as a Mayor to attract more to Burlington. More post-secondary institutions would bring a lot of benefits to our city, such as keeping young people in the community, providing connectivity to businesses through co-ops, creating more access to talent and creating jobs.One of my first actions as Mayor was to reach out to all of our local post-secondary institutions to discuss opportunities and make sure they knew Burlington was open to attracting more university and college presence — this included Brock. Burlington has a lot of land that would work for a post-secondary institution — we are already host a McMaster campus and would welcome the opportunity to expand a post-secondary presence in Burlington.--*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor's Media and Digital Communications Specialist