Item 11.4.1 was brought forward and dealt with at this time.
1. Daniel Atlin, VP External Affairs, University of Guelph; Kelly Jackson, VP External Affairs and Professional Learning, Humber College; and Rani Dhaliwal, Executive Lead, University of Guelph-Humber Brampton Partnership, provided information to Committee regarding the next steps in the process for the potential relocation of the University of Guelph-Humber (UGH) to the City of Brampton, as the anchor tenant in the Centre for Innovation, and highlighted the benefits of this opportunity.
The delegations responded to questions from Committee with respect to the following:
- Student housing needs and the potential impact on the neighbouring community
- Low international student population at UGH
- UGH program alignment with Brampton's eco-system
- UGH and City staff discussion regarding space and financial needs
- Collaboration with other post secondary institutions
- Provincial Government review/approval of this opportunity
2. Baldev Mutta, CEO, Punjabi Community Health Services, outlined his support for the relocation of UGH to the City of Brampton, and provided information regarding his involvement with UGH, the benefits of the proposal, low enrollment of international students at UGH, the impact of international students in Brampton, and the importance of providing access to education.
3. Dr. Parminder Singh, Vice Chair, Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwara Council, outlined his support for the relocation of UGH to the City of Brampton, and provided information regarding the importance of providing Brampton residents with access to higher education and provide equal opportunities for everyone, highlighted the financial challenges faced by students and families to access higher education, and addressed the matter of supports for international students.
Dr. Singh responded to questions from Committee with respect to the following:
- Provincial responsibility for funding university education and the need to advocate for this funding in Brampton
- Under-funding in Brampton for health and education
- Potential property tax impact of funding the relocation of UGH
- Advocacy for a Medical School in Brampton
City Councillor Singh raised a Point of Personal Privilege. The Chair gave leave for the Point of Personal Privilege. City Councillor Singh advised that comments provided by Regional Councillor Medeiros regarding property tax increases is not public information and noted that there are other funding options to be considered by Council.
Regional Councillor Medeiros clarified that his comments were of a general nature, relating to a potential property tax impact to fund university education in Brampton.
4. Carrie Percival, Chair, Downtown Brampton BIA, was not in the meeting. On behalf of the Downtown Brampton BIA, Suzy Godefroy, Executive Director, Downtown Brampton BIA, expressed support for the relocation of UGH to downtown Brampton, noting that it will play a vital role in the revitalization of the downtown core as the anchor tenant of the Centre for Innovation, and outlined the benefits of UGH to the business community and residents.
5. Azad Goyat, Brampton First Foundation, addressed Committee on behalf of the Foundation and Mahendra Nagar, Brampton resident, to outline their support for the relocation of UGH to the City of Brampton. The delegation referenced the status of the BramptonU project, outlined the need for a university in Brampton to support the community, and highlighted the financial barriers faced by Brampton students to access university education.
The delegation responded to questions from Committee with respect to the following:
- A potential tax increase to fund a university in Brampton
- Current financial pressures on Brampton residents
- The need to advocate the Province for education funding in Brampton
The following motions were considered.