Laurentian University waits on Barrie campus decision

Morning North5:55Laurentian University hopeful about Barrie campus

Will Laurentian University get the green light to expand in Barrie? It's competing for provincial dollars with Lakehead University and Georgian College who also want to expand to the area. Craig Fowler of L.U. told us more about the progress being made.A provincial funding decision on the expansion of Laurentian University inBarrie may beimminent.

The Sudbury university is waiting to hear if it willget just under $50 millionto establish itself as Barrie's first university campus.

Laurentianalready offers degrees in Barrie through a partnership with Georgian College, but it's looking to build a separate campus in that community's downtown.

It's competing against several other post secondary institutions looking to expand in the province, butBarrie's city's council has already committed $14 millionto Laurentian, should the campus go ahead.

Craig Fowler, the associate vice-president of administration and external relations at Laurentian University,sees that as a good sign.

"You don't want to count any eggs before they're hatched, [but]it definitely is, I think, a strong message. The mayor's been very vocal both in his election campaign and since his election in his inaugural speech, specifying his support for us," Folwer said.

In a statement, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities said proposals for new university campuses were recently assessed by the Ministry and a panel of senior government officials, and thattheMinistry will communicate next steps for those who madesubmissionsat a future date.

If successful, Laurentianwill establish 28 programs at the new Barrie campus.

"Laurentian is proposing some programming in data security, data management, data centre management, which fits directly with this emerging sector in Barrie," said Barrie MayorJeff Lehman.