Trent unveils $5 million campaign for new building
City of Oshawa has donated land, Region of Durham funding $1.42 million over three years
By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express
Durham Region’s newest university is embarking on an ambitious fundraising campaign as it continues to grow.
Trent University Durham GTA officials recently announced the $5 million campaign which will fund a new building, increased financial aid for students, and new programs.
The centrepiece of the campaign will be the construction of a new residence and academic centre, which will feature a 200-room residence, a 100-seat lecture hall, two 64-seat classrooms, research space, student areas, and faculty offices.
The total cost of the project is be determined. Trent officials believe construction will start by the end of April.
The campaign has already received several significant injections of support.
Durham regional council approved $1.42 million over three years in funding for the project in the 2019 regional budget.
This amount is of equivalent value to 1.8 acres of land the City of Oshawa donated to the expansion project in 2017.
A $500,000 donation was also received from Doug Kirk, president of Durham Radio, a graduate of Trent, and co-chair of the campaign. This is the largest personal donation in the school’s history.
“It is very important that the extraordinarily valuable experience I had at Trent be made available to more Trent Durham students,” Kirk stated.
Dr. Leo Groarke, vice-president and vice-chancellor of Trent, said the expansion will allow for a “dramatic increase” in enrolment, and will continue the momentum the school has experienced over the past few years.
In his Groarke’s view, it will be an excellent opportunity not only for the university but also the city and region.
“Coupled with the development of our post-secondary partners in Durham, the expansion of our campus will help make Durham a major player in post-secondary education in the province,” Groarke states.
Trent officials believe as a result of the expansion, its economic impact on the region will grow from $47 million to $80 million, while enrolment is forecasted to increase from 1,400 to 2,250.
Ward 2 regional councillor and development committee chair Tito-Dante Marimpietri says it is great news for all involved.
“We are working hard to drive strategic investment focus on delivering economic diversification in our city and region and this is a clear example of the work we are doing to deliver tangible results for future generations,” Marimpietri said.
The growth Trent has seen locally has been a phenomenal story, Marimpietri observed, and something he has pushed for as city resident and councillor.
“This is exciting news for this community after a few negative announcements in the past couple of months in terms of our traditional industry.”