From The Sputnik – Sept. 5/2011

Moratorium. Its definition according to Webster is rather simple: “A suspension of activity.” To Wilfrid Laurier University, its definition is much more than that. It’s a roadblock in the way of expansion to Milton.

Expansion to Milton has been a hot topic for conversation among those in the Laurier community, but the production of a policy by the Ontario government has caused a delay in any thinking of building.

Instituted by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities, the new policy being developed changes the procedures for post-secondary institutions, in the largest way, by giving the province the final say in where satellite campuses will be built, and by which host institution.

“This will ensure tax dollars are allocated in an effective and responsible manner. Of course, the province recognizes that, for many municipalities, having a postsecondary institution in the community is important for economic and regional development,” said Tanya Blazina, a spokesperson for the MTCU.

“That said, the province also needs to strike an appropriate balance between community and institutional aspirations and the province’s direction around capacity, growth and the need to expand postsecondary education and training in areas of the province that are needed the most,” Blazina continued. “The formal satellite campus policy will be aligned with the province’s growth plans. Under MTCU’s new satellite campus policy, decisions on the location and host institutions will now be made by the province.”

Knowing that the university will now have to pitch a bid, Dr. Max Blouw, Wilfrid Laurier University’s President, says the school is now in the planning stages for such a bid.
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