Burlington council approves McMaster plan

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October 21, 2008

McMaster's Burlington expansion plan took a significant step forward last night with city council's approval of the project.

Council's support follows earlier project approvals by McMaster's Senate and Board of Governors. Last night, councillors agreed to invest $5 million in the McMaster plan, while directing city staff to continue discussions with Halton Region about a regional investment of $5 million.

McMaster's comprehensive Burlington plan features three integrated components:

  • the DeGroote School of Business's Centre for Advanced Management Studies to be constructed on the South Service Road site east of Walkers Line
  • a downtown Burlington Family Medical Teaching Unit, home to family physicians and medical residents who will treat and care for patients
  • an affiliation between the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine and Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital.

    • “McMaster is very appreciative of this visionary investment,” says Peter George, President McMaster University. “Under Mayor Cam Jacksons strong leadership, Council understands and values the economic and social benefits of investing in post secondary education. McMaster will work hard to ensure this partnership produces significant returns for all residents of Burlington.”

    Council's approval followed the release of an economic impact analysis of the McMaster proposal.

    The report was commissioned by the City and the University to assess the impact of McMaster's plans. Deloitte, the study's author, found that the McMaster campus in Burlington will generate $38.2 million in overall annual spending in the city and region, while providing 400 total jobs that generate $32.3 million in total employment income annually.