Guelph-Humber considering move to Brampton

Oct 22, 2021 | Campus News

The University of Guelph-Humber is considering relocating to Brampton’s new downtown Centre for Innovation as soon as 2025, creating several employment opportunities and turning the city into an educational hub.

The university opened its doors at Humber College’s North campus in 2002, birthed from a partnership between the college and the University of Guelph.

It was the first in Ontario to offer the opportunity of earning both a university honours degree and diploma in four years of full-time study in one location.

Brampton has been a point of interest as a potential location for Guelph-Humber for more than a decade given its strategic location in the growing Greater Toronto Area and the fact many students come from the Brampton and the rest of Peel Region.

“It’s a natural fit for Guelph-Humber to be a key partner in the Brampton Centre for Innovation and support current and future students with a unique and proven model that allows them to earn both a degree and a diploma within four years,” said Charlotte Yates, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Guelph.

Guelph-Humber student Gabi Rana, who also sits on IGNITE’s board of directors, told Humber Et Cetera she views the possibility as a positive for future students.

“U of GH in Brampton will offer a full range student experience. There are places to see live performances, eat at many restaurants and it has multiple entertainment venues,” Rana said.

“Brampton has a good university demographic, I am sure the students will have a nice out-of-classroom experience and build relationships with other students,” the media communications student said.

The university proposed a relocation plan in 2015 but it did not come to fruition at the time due to funding issues, Rana said.

Guelph-Humber has long-suffered from complaints of overcrowding, with students unable to find seating for studying or eating.

Former Humber president Robert Gordon previously told GH360 the school “really shouldn’t admit more students into the present facility.”

An operational review was undertaken during the 2017 college faculty strike that involved student input on the future of the university.

The University of Guelph told student reporters in January 2020 that it would not be moving locations amid a strategic plan review process. It now says the City of Brampton and Guelph-Humber are working together to relocate the university.

This would shift 5,000 students to downtown Brampton. Guelph-Humber has more than 400 employer partners in Brampton that provide students with work-integrated learning and on-the-job experience, built into its programs.

Brampton City Council made a historic commitment in July, providing up to $150 million for the new university and centre for innovation.

This is the second major post-secondary education announcement for Brampton this year, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford announcing funding and plans for a Brampton Ryerson University medical school in March.

Guelph-Humber’s current and future programs will join Ryerson’s planned medical school as new education opportunities in Brampton. Sheridan College also offers programs in the city.

“We pride ourselves on supporting student success and producing well-educated, experienced graduates who are ready to make an impact on society,” George Bragues, interim vice-provost of Guelph-Humber, said.

Downtown Brampton Business Impact Analysis group also welcomed the efforts to bring Guelph-Humber to Brampton.