NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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The Barrie Chamber of Commerce enthusiastically welcomes the announcement by Mayor Alex Nuttall and the City of Barrie regarding Lakehead University’s forthcoming expansion into our community, with a dedicated focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
This move reinforces Barrie’s emergence as a thriving hub for innovation and education, poised to significantly enhance our city’s economic and social landscape.
Economic impact
The establishment of a Lakehead University campus in Barrie is anticipated to be a substantial economic driver. Drawing from Lakehead’s Orillia campus, which contributes over $246 million to the County of Simcoe’s economy, we can expect similar, if not greater, economic benefits. The influx of students, faculty, and staff will stimulate local businesses — housing, retail, services, and entertainment — fostering a vibrant and dynamic economy. This development could inject millions into Barrie’s economy annually, supporting local businesses and creating hundreds of jobs in related sectors.
Workforce development
A local university presence will cultivate a highly skilled workforce tailored to the needs of our regional industries. Lakehead’s commitment to expanding its student body to 3,500 and introducing 10 new programs by 2032 aligns with the demand for professionals in STEM fields. This initiative will bridge the skills gap, providing local businesses with access to qualified graduates, enhancing productivity, and fuelling innovation.
Social and cultural enrichment
Beyond economic benefits, Lakehead University’s expansion will enhance Barrie’s social and cultural life. The university’s dedication to inclusivity and diversity will attract students from various backgrounds, fostering a multicultural environment that promotes understanding and collaboration. The increased presence of academic programs and student activities will enhance Barrie’s cultural offerings through lectures, performances, and community events, contributing to a more vibrant and interconnected community.
Collaborative opportunities
The university’s focus on STEM presents numerous opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry. Local businesses will have access to cutting-edge research and development, facilitating innovation and competitiveness. Partnerships in co-operative education and internships will allow students to gain practical experience while providing businesses with fresh perspectives and talent.
Housing solutions for a growing community
The expansion of Lakehead University into Barrie will undoubtedly impact the local housing market, increasing demand for both student accommodations and rental properties. Recognizing this, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce encourages proactive measures to address housing needs for students, faculty, and staff.
The recent $1-million investment by the provincial government in university student housing is a great start toward addressing these needs. However, with the anticipated influx of students, further investment in housing will be essential to ensure adequate and affordable accommodations for the growing university community.
Lakehead University and Georgian College have previously demonstrated innovative solutions to housing challenges through initiatives like the home-sharing model, which connects students with community members offering spare rooms. This approach, successfully expanded to Orillia, not only provides affordable housing options but also strengthens community ties by fostering intergenerational relationships and mutual support.
The chamber hopes to see similar initiatives introduced in Barrie as part of Lakehead’s expansion strategy. By combining innovative solutions with continued investment from government, partnerships with local developers, and community collaboration, Barrie can ensure accessible and affordable housing while maintaining a balanced and sustainable growth trajectory. The chamber is ready to support these discussions and partnerships to address the evolving needs of our growing university town.
Conclusion
The Barrie Chamber of Commerce views Lakehead University’s expansion as a pivotal development that will drive economic growth, enhance workforce capabilities, and enrich the social and cultural fabric of our community. We are excited to support this initiative and collaborate with Lakehead University to ensure its successful integration into Barrie, benefiting businesses and residents alike. Together, we can seize this opportunity to shape a brighter future for Barrie, setting the stage for sustained prosperity and innovation.
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