City, Halton Region and McMaster sign agreement confirming campus in Burlington

The City of Burlington, Halton Region and McMaster University signed an official agreement today laying out the timelines and next steps for the university's historic expansion into Burlington. Mayor Cam Jackson, Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr and McMaster University President Peter George signed the agreement during a Mayor's luncheon series event in Burlington.

“The signing of the agreement today marks a defining moment in our city's development,” said Jackson. “Once completed, this innovative development will ensure better access to health care for our citizens and help create a stronger economic future and jobs in our community.”

McMaster's Burlington expansion includes the construction of the new Centre for Advanced Management Studies on a South Service Road site west of Appleby Line. The new campus will be home to the DeGroote School of Business MBA program and new executive offerings.

Locating the Centre for Advanced Management Studies in Burlington “dramatically increases opportunities for both local business retention and growth,” said Jackson.

The plan also includes the establishment of a regional family medicine resident program and medical clinic to be located in Burlington's downtown. A future affiliation between Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital and McMaster University is also planned.

“The establishment of the McMaster family centre in Burlington will not only provide care to thousands of residents each year but also help Halton combat a pressing health care need: a shortage of family doctors n the region,” said Carr. “In 2007 and 2008, 24 new family medicine graduates established practices in Halton, of which 14, or 58 per cent, were trained in Halton. This data supports the observation that residents who train in a certain jurisdiction are inclined to set up their practices in that jurisdiction.”

“This agreement reinforces McMaster's commitment to delivering innovative post-secondary opportunities, and this exciting partnership enhances the university's abilities in research, teaching, and learning for both future business leaders and family physicians,” said McMaster President Peter George. “The university is thankful for the vision and commitment of the City of Burlington and Halton Region for this investment that will deliver significant returns for residents.”

Making McMaster's Burlington campus a reality began years ago with a citizen's committee recommendation for Burlington to pursue a post secondary presence in the city. “The unwavering commitment of my colleagues on both City and Regional Council have made that vision today's reality,” said Jackson.

To watch a video of Dean Paul Bates talking about McMaster's Burlington expansion, please click here.