Milton Education Village

The Vision

The Town of Milton is actively engaged in a project called the Milton Education Village (MEV), with the goal of bringing a university campus to Milton.

The MEV will be a comprehensively planned, 400-acre integrated neighbourhood that will include:

  • A university campus (between 10,000 and 15,000 students)
  • Integrated business park opportunities with focus on innovation
  • Student housing and residential developments
  • Integrated transit hub
  • Commercial supporting services
  • Velodrome as part of the Pan/Parapan American Games

Location

The 400-acre MEV site is located south of Derry Road, west of Tremaine Road and north of Britannia Road,
adjacent to the Niagara Escarpment.

MEV Location Map

MEV: Past, Present and Future

Establishing post-secondary education in Milton is a priority approved in the Destiny Milton strategic plan.

The Town signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Wilfrid Laurier University to explore the possibility of establishing a university campus on the 150-acre site. The MOU was renewed in 2011, and enables both parties to work together to resolve land-planning issues and to pursue possible sources of funding.

In 2011, the Milton Education Village Partnership Program was signed between key players in the implementation of the MEV. This included an invitation to Sherican College to become a partner in the MEV.

Currently UnderwayComing Up

Laurier calls on the Government of Ontario to approve a Laurier campus in the Town of Milton

In March 2013, Wilfrid Laurier University released its 2013 pre-budget submission to the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.

The campus proposal notes that universities are a key element of the infrastructure needed for a growing community to thrive and prosper economically, socially and culturally. University campuses help diversify economies and build communities, and foster enterprise and opportunity.

Town of Milton to Develop Innovation Centre

The Town of Milton will continue discussions with prospective partners of the proposed Innovation Centre, at 555 Industrial Drive, in order to accelerate the demand for business park development at the MEV.

Establishing an innovation centre at 555 Industrial Drive would be a significant first step towards fostering a thriving and comprehensive "entrepreneurial ecosystem," providing a place where small, innovative companies are fostered, in order to allow them to grow and to broaden the employment base in knowledge-based industries.

Accomplishments to Date

October 2012Laurier made a submission to the Honourable Glen Murray, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to commence the process of developing a Strategic Mandate Agreement. In the submission, Laurier articulated to the Ministry that as part of its "Institutional Vision, Proposed Mandate Statement and Priority Objectives," a new Milton Campus is a high priority.
September 2012 MEV Secondary Plan's initial public open house and presentation provided an opportunity for members of the public to discuss with Planning staff, the study process and initial results of the background studies relating to the Milton Education Village Secondary Plan. 
February 2012 

MEV Secondary Plan Study commences. 

January 2011 

Milton Education Village Partnership Program was signed between key players in the implementation of the MEV. This included an invitation to Sheridan College to become a partner in the MEV. 

December 2010 Town secured ownership of campus lands; to be transferred to Laurier when funding is secured.
June 2010 Boyne Survey Secondary Plan approved by Milton Town Council. The Boyne Survey Area is the third major residential phase in Milton and is located adjacent to the Milton Education Village site. 
April 2010 Education Village Charette Summary Report released at public open house. 
November 2009 In an effort to become more engaged in the Milton community, Laurier developed the Laurier Milton Lecture Series in partnership with the Town of Milton and Milton Public Library. The series consists of a free monthly presentation by a member of Laurier's staff/faculty on topics of varying interest.   
October 2009Design Charette exercise was completed with key stakeholders, Town, Laurier representatives to create a vision for area. 
June 2009 Halton Region approved the 400-acre designation for the Milton Education Village university campus, a research park, residential development and other campus uses. 
April 2009 Town of Milton, with support of community partners, created "Laurier in Milton" e-Book to advocate for provincial funding. 
Spring 2009 Town of Milton completed an Environmental Inventory and Assessment. 
September 2008 Wilfrid Laurier University submitted a proposal for funding in response to the provincial government's request for information and proposals regarding long-term capital planning 
March 2008 Town of Milton and Wilfrid Laurier University signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the intent of creating a 150-acre campus in Milton. 

Publications

Staff Reports

News Releases

Maps