Ottawa In Woodstock

Friday, 6 February 2015 07:46

The possibility of a University campus coming to Woodstock could be answered as early as this spring.

WOODSTOCK - Many were on hand in the County Administration building to hear a presentation on the potential University of Ottawa satellite campus coming to Woodstock.

$19 million has been requested from the provincial government to fund the endeavour that would inhabit vacant buildings in the cities' downtown core.

University representatives expect approximately 1,000 students to enrol at the university in the first couple of years, once the campus doors open in September 2016 or 2017. The programs offered would be primarily comprised of French Immersion courses, focusing on science, nursing, engineering and management.

Mayor Trevor Birtch highlights not only the potential boost for the local economy but the opportunity for French immersion programs at a university level. "We have great access to facilities that make a very attractive campus to the University of Ottawa. I am also very excited as a parent, I have children that are involved in French immersion and I have been stressing at home how important language is, so I am excited on all fronts."

University reps highlighted that 150-230 jobs would be created in the first five years with employment jumping to 500 over a twenty-year period.

Newly elected Warden of Oxford County David Mayberry is hopeful the project get the green light from the provincial government, saying it is a great way for students to stay local.

After five years, the university will be able to house up to 3,000 students which could have a positive impact on the economy and revitalizing the city's downtown.

Vice President of External Affairs Louis de Melo emphasized the growing popularity in French Immersion Programs. "It's because there is huge demands right now. At the University of Ottawa if you look at our programs we are seeing 15% growth annually in demand for French Immersion programs. Right now we have students coming all across Canada to the University of Ottawa to study in French Immersion. We believe this would be very attractive as a campus here at Woodstock as well."

de Melo added the more community engagement the proposal receives, the better the chances are of getting a positive response from the government.

Late spring (2015) is when the government is set to review the proposal.