[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/MIP_openhouse.jpg” caption=”Pictured, from bottom left, are Betty Ho, department manager of the Department of Family Medicine, Stephen Lloyd, director of finance and administration in the Department of Family Medicine, Don Schmitt, the principle architect from Diamond and Schmitt Architects and Linda Axford, University planner. Photo credit: Chantall Van Raay”]An information open house for the McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) was held today on campus. A second open house will take place tonight from 4:30 – 8 p.m. at Westdale High School's cafeteria.

The open house showcased a draft master plan of the MIP, located on a 37-acre site on Longwood Road South purchased by the University in early 2005. The event is an opportunity to find out more about the University's vision for the MIP and a chance to provide comments and thoughts as the site plan is finalized.

The MIP will house laboratory, office, teaching, training, and conference facilities, in support of research and development in a number of key industrial areas: advanced manufacturing and materials, nanotechnology, bio-technology, and other areas in which McMaster University has recognized research strengths.