Welland Mayor Damian Goulbourne, left, and Jack Lightstone sign a Memorandum of Understanding.

Brock University and the City of Welland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide a framework for how they will work together on future projects.

In signing the document March 10 at Welland City Hall, Brock President Jack Lightstone and Welland Mayor Damian Goulbourne also announced the partnership’s first initiative and a significant step forward.

The University is agreeing in principle to a long term lease of space to locate the Brock University Human Performance Centre in the Welland International Flatwater Centre. The Brock Centre will operate non-academic, revenue-generating activities that support the work of Brock’s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences.

The MOU establishes an understanding between both parties with respect to five key items:

• a feasibility analysis
• site identification and development
• financial collaboration
• public relations and communications
• government relations

“For Welland, this is a true milestone,” says Mayor Goulbourne. “We are entering not just into a stronger relationship with Brock University, we are entering a new chapter of our own history, a chapter of opportunity and achievement. This will put our community in a positive spotlight and be a lasting legacy of the games in our community for generations to come.”

“This project has wonderful potential for Welland and Niagara on a number of levels — from providing health and wellness support for our children, to creating a marvelous sport and training facility that will help make Welland a nationally and internationally known destination point,” says President Lightstone. “It is a terrific example of collaboration and progress, and we at Brock are proud to be partners with the people of Welland.”

Quick link:
• Brock taking up digs at flatwater centre — Welland Tribune