For the past 20 years, the Hamilton campus site has been mainly used for teacher education. Brock University, which has had a teaching presence in Hamilton for more than 30 years, is embarking on a search for more modernized facilities in the Hamilton-Burlington-Oakville (HBO) corridor.
The University will maintain operations at its current Hamilton campus until at least Spring 2021, but is exploring options and locations for contemporary, purpose-built accommodations that will meet the changing needs of learners.
The Hamilton campus, located on King Street East, will be listed for sale in the coming days. A 1960s high school that Brock acquired in 2000, it has been used primarily for teacher education. Through the years it has educated thousands of teachers for school districts in Hamilton-Wentworth, Halton, Grand Erie and Dufferin-Peel, amongst others.
Michael Owen, Dean of Education, said “a 21st-century learning and teaching environment will allow the University to meet the growing needs of schools for professionally educated leaders, and serve the educational needs of our diverse communities for adult and graduate education.”
Greg Finn, Brock’s Provost and Vice-President Academic, said the University wants a new facility in the region to accommodate a wider scope of programs, and that updating the Hamilton property to fulfil that mission would be cost-prohibitive.
He said the current site, on seven acres of land near the Red Hill Expressway, should have appeal as a development opportunity in Hamilton’s east end.
“Investing in modern, purpose-built facilities is a more sensible use of resources,” said Finn, “and will directly benefit current and future students as well as faculty members. Exploring new facilities also gives us an opportunity to expand program offerings for full-time and part-time students in the HBO region.”
President Gervan Fearon said the University’s Strategic Plan commits Brock to making a priority of providing “a transformational and accessible academic and student experience”.
“This will be a guiding principle in our selection and determination of a new location,” said Fearon. “These developments reflect Brock’s role in post-secondary education across the region. Our enrolment growth, and our record for graduates finding jobs and career success, support the vitality and competitiveness of employers in these communities.”
Finn said the University will consider different options that align with its mission and are within an affordable basis. He said creating a modern campus that enhances student experience, strengthens communities and encourages commuter access is consistent with Brock’s Strategic Plan and its balanced budget planning process.
