The Town of Penetanguishene has reached out to Collingwood, and other towns in Simcoe County, to ask for support in its bid to become the host community for a new French university.
Last month, the Ontario government announced a memorandum of understanding with the federal government to work together to build the Université de l’Ontario français. Both governments have agreed to commit public funds for the $126 million project.
“The Town of Penetanguishene wholeheartedly believes that Penetanguishene needs to be considered as the primary location due to its long-standing French culture and heritage, the value add for the future of students studying in French, the location, the appropriate infrastructure to support such a worthwhile venture, and the overall quality of life for future students,” states a letter sent to Collingwood’s council asking for their support.
According to the news release sent out by the province, the new French university would address the needs of more than 600,000 Francophones in Ontario when it comes to postsecondary education.
A Town of Penetanguishene staff report states Penetanguishene is one of the few French designated areas in Central Ontario.
“It’s been suggested that a university campus requires, among other amenities, transportation, sports, food, social and housing components, all of which Penetanguishene can support,” states the staff report. “Nothing compares to the quality of life that can be offered in the heart of Georgian Bay.”
Penetanguishene has a population of about 9,600 people, and is part of the Huronia region of Simcoe County, which includes Midland, Tay and Tiny. Combined the region has a population of 46,651 people.
The request for support was sent to Collingwood and other Simcoe County municipalities as well as community partners with a vested interest in French culture and heritage to help Penetanguishene’s campaign.
Previously (2014 to 2018) there was some political lobbying of the provincial government undertaken to push Penetanguishene as the most ideal location for a Francophone university, according to the staff report.
It is unclear when the provincial and federal governments expect to begin work on the new university. The Penetanguishene request for support will be before Collingwood council as part of the agenda for the Oct. 28 meeting.
