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PRESENTATION BY REPRESENTATIVES OF GEORGIAN COLLEGE REGARDING THE GEORGIAN COLLEGE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTRE CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT AND THE COLLEGE’S PLANS
Ms. Mary Lynn West-Moynes, President of Georgian College provided a presentation concerning an update from Georgian College concerning the anticipated relocation of education programs to Downtown Barrie. She described the benefits of having a campus located in the downtown, including the learning opportunities for students, the students’ exposure to creative talent and support for local businesses. Ms. West-Moynes noted that this investment will be a “win-win” for the students and the community. She requested Council’s support for this initiative.
Ms. West-Moynes discussed slides concerning the following topics:
• Georgian College’s commitment to move academic programming into downtown Barrie and the opportunities that have been explored;
• The details of the plan to move students into downtown Barrie;
• The programs that would be located at the downtown campus including, Digital Photography and Imaging, Digital Video, Graphic Design and Graphic Design Production;
• The actions undertaken by Georgian College to date to bring programming to the downtown;
• The expression of interest for space in the downtown that was issued; and
• An update on the Request for Proposal process.
In closing, Ms. West-Moynes noted that Georgian College is moving quickly to locate a space that can accommodate programs starting in September 2017. She reiterated her comments of the benefits of having a campus in the downtown. On behalf of Georgian College, Ms. West-Moynes requested that Council approve the final $1.5 million installment, when a lease is signed. Ms. West-Moynes noted that the College would not expect the $1.5 million installment if the downtown lease was not fulfilled.
Members of Council asked questions of the presenter and received responses.