[raisethehammer]

This project has been in development for a while. The Ribfest sponsorship makes it seem newer than it is. For the past couple of years they've been fighting a 20-year-old zoning bylaw that would cap the site at 10 storeys -- 25 storeys would make this Burlington's tallest building.

I've heard rumours that Molinaro Group may in the process of moving their HQ to Burlington, possibly to get leverage for Strata. I have a feeling that the location of Burlington's downtown and the city's willingness to plunk condos along its waterfront are factors behind the development of 360 on Pearl, Spencer’s Landing, Bunton’s Wharf etc. Strata, at a half-km from the water (and the QEW, commuters will be pleased to learn), is the firm's most inland offering yet. Pretty much everything they build is spitting distance from the water.

their current HQ is in a stupid spot...the ground floor of an apartment on Market St. Lol.

[adam]

Interesting discussion! Yeah Hamilton is urban vs Burlington being suburban.. so Hamilton naturally has more life. Earlier this summer on a Saturday we went to lunch at Emma's Backporch and then walked along the waterfront, stopping at really cool coffee place on Brant right across from the water. There was a ton of streetlife... I think it was just a couple days before (or after) Sound of Music.

Burlington has some great infrastructure and potential along the waterfront. Not really an urban setting... but a great area where you don't need a car to get around (well, except to go to work!)

[raisethehammer]

yea, that tiny area of Burlington certainly beats the tar out of Mississuga and the rest of Halton/Peel/Durham/York etc......
If I was a suburban type, I'd much rather live in a little spot like downtown Burlington than the rest of it.

[fastcarsfreedom]

I wouldn't call it "tiny"--the majority of the city south of Fairview--and all of it south of New, is of a more urban than suburban density. I've never understood the unwillingness to give Burlington's urban area the credit it deserves--though Hamiltonians have no reason at all to have an inferiority complex in regard to Burlington, it has always (sadly) come off that way. As has been said many times, Downtown Burlington and Downtown Hamilton are apples and oranges--both unique, different, and enjoyable.

I spent many warm nights at Emma's in my youth, ingesting beer.

An interesting bit of history--much of Spencer Smith Park was originally slated for a massive apartment/condo development in the 1970s called "The Anchorage"--it was huge--basically a "wall" between Downtown and the Lake in much the same way Toronto's view of it's own lakefront is blocked...The City of Burlington ultimately put the gears to that plan.

[raisethehammer]

I meant tiny compared with the rest of Burlington. Not tiny in a derogatory way. It's the only urban-feeling area in the entire city.

[adam]

the majority of the city south of Fairview--and all of it south of New, is of a more urban than suburban density.

This is completely untrue. Do you mean just along Brant Street? Even so, its a stretch..

[BCTed]

I do not find downtown Burlington to be "dead" most of the time. It may not be downtown Hamilton, but it has a lot of good stuff (and much of it can not be found in downtown Ham):

- streetwalls filled with businesses, some of which are outlined in the following points
- restaurants, pubs, and patios
- Rude Native Bistro, which closed down in Hamilton
- a bakery
- a comic book shop (I don't believe that downtown Hamilton has one any longer)
- a nice waterfront that has a skating rink in the wintertime
- fun summer festivals
- a couple of nice ice cream shops
- a multiplex (Upper Canada, which does not show films until after their release dates, but it still counts)
- a relatively nice looking city hall
- condo towers
- professional services (lawyers, doctors, etc.)
- a hotel (maybe more than one... I'm not sure)
- the Burlington Arts Centre
- a hospital a few blocks from the centre
- people of all ages, with a distinct lack of bums
- cleanliness

It is definitely not without appeal or charm.

[raisethehammer]

I do not find downtown Burlington to be "dead" most of the time. It may not be downtown Hamilton, but it has a lot of good stuff (and much of it can not be found in downtown Ham):

- streetwalls filled with businesses, some of which are outlined in the following points
- restaurants, pubs, and patios
- Rude Native Bistro, which closed down in Hamilton
- a bakery
- a comic book shop (I don't believe that downtown Hamilton has one any longer)
- a nice waterfront that has a skating rink in the wintertime
- fun summer festivals
- a couple of nice ice cream shops
- a multiplex (Upper Canada, which does not show films until after their release dates, but it still counts)
- a relatively nice looking city hall
- condo towers
- professional services (lawyers, doctors, etc.)
- a hotel (maybe more than one... I'm not sure)
- the Burlington Arts Centre
- a hospital a few blocks from the centre
- people of all ages, with a distinct lack of bums
- cleanliness

It is definitely not without appeal or charm.


you don't really want us to respond to this list with Hamilton's downtown amenities do you??
save the skating rink, all of the above can be found in downtown Hamilton and in much larger numbers as well as a huge host of other amenities that can't be found in Burlington.
Don't try to turn this into a comparison of the downtowns....it's not even close.

[fastcarsfreedom]

I don't think anyone is trying to incite a comparo of the two downtowns. I dont speak on anyone else's behalf - but I would say the list was merely pointing out some of the things Downtown B has going for it--it's not intended as a put-down of Hamilton, far from it. As has been said many times before, the two Downtowns are completely different animals--each unique. The truth is the Burlington has a lot going for it and a lot of positive momentum. It seems, at times, that people are loathe to acknowledge that fact.

[raisethehammer]

using the inaccurate sentence - "much of it cannot be found in downtown ham", would indicate a comparison, but alas, it's inaccurate and probably meant to stir up the board as per usual.

[BCTed]

you don't really want us to respond to this list with Hamilton's downtown amenities do you??
save the skating rink, all of the above can be found in downtown Hamilton and in much larger numbers as well as a huge host of other amenities that can't be found in Burlington.
Don't try to turn this into a comparison of the downtowns....it's not even close.

This is crazy. I mentioned a list of things found in downtown Burlington to reinforce my belief that it has a lot going for it. I acknowledged that it may "not be downtown Hamilton" and brought up Ham as an aside only because a comparision had been mentioned throughout the conversation. I was certainly not bringing it up out of the blue:

From RTH: I was over there twice recently for an appointment.
beautiful sunny days early evening and mid-day. ...
Both times I came back downtown Hamilton afterwards to streets filled with people, patios full on James,Hess,Augusta and a much more vibrant scene.

From fastcarsfreedom: Everyone finds Downtown Burlington to be "dead"--yet it is the home of several developments the likes of which everyone here salivates over--wishing such would come to Hamilton.

From RTH: Burlington's is largely suburban and I'm guessing most buyers in these projects are older folks, not young 'hipsters' looking for a cool urban experience which is what you see in downtown Hamilton.

From adam: Interesting discussion! Yeah Hamilton is urban vs Burlington being suburban.. so Hamilton naturally has more life.

From fastcarsfreedom: As has been said many times, Downtown Burlington and Downtown Hamilton are apples and oranges--both unique, different, and enjoyable.

I was not inciting or instigating anything. I was not saying that Burlington is better than Hamilton.

[FairHamilton]

using the inaccurate sentence - "much of it cannot be found in downtown ham", would indicate a comparison, but alas, it's inaccurate and probably meant to stir up the board as per usual.

If so, then you took the bait...........

I'd agree that both downtown's have their unique differences, and good and bad issues.

Personally, I like Hamilton's downtown, though I agree it could definitely be better. And I'm sure I could easily fill an afternoon/evening in Burlington's downtown.

Someone please remind me what this has to do with Burlington's MAC campus???? ;)

[BCTed]

using the inaccurate sentence - "much of it cannot be found in downtown ham", would indicate a comparison, but alas, it's inaccurate and probably meant to stir up the board as per usual.

It is not inaccurate. There is no skating rink, no Rude Native Bistro, and no comic book shop in downtown Hamilton --- none of this is a knock against the city. Lest I be banned, I am finished with this conversation.

[FairHamilton]

BCTed is right, some of what he listed can't be found in Downtown Hamilton, but some of it can.........

A comparison perhaps, but I don't think it was with any malicious intent.

Let's just call this one a draw (whether you agree it's a draw, or not let's just call it a draw) ;), and get back on the topic.

Does anyone have any update on Mac's snag/progress in Burlington?????

[realcity]

I do not find downtown Burlington to be "dead" most of the time. It may not be downtown Hamilton, but it has a lot of good stuff (and much of it can not be found in downtown Ham):

- streetwalls filled with businesses, some of which are outlined in the following points
- restaurants, pubs, and patios
- Rude Native Bistro, which closed down in Hamilton
- a bakery
- a comic book shop (I don't believe that downtown Hamilton has one any longer)
- a nice waterfront that has a skating rink in the wintertime
- fun summer festivals
- a couple of nice ice cream shops
- a multiplex (Upper Canada, which does not show films until after their release dates, but it still counts)
- a relatively nice looking city hall
- condo towers
- professional services (lawyers, doctors, etc.)
- a hotel (maybe more than one... I'm not sure)
- the Burlington Arts Centre
- a hospital a few blocks from the centre
- people of all ages, with a distinct lack of bums
- cleanliness

It is definitely not without appeal or charm.

yes nice and charming but tiny

[raisethehammer]

of 17 items listed, 3 can't be found in downtown Hamilton. And we're all happy the Rude Native is one of them. The place was horrible.
I don't call 3 of 17 to be "much of it cannot be found in downtown Ham".
I could add a few dozen items to the list that certainly CAN'T be found in burlington.

[FairHamilton]

How's the proposed Mac campus coming in Burlington these days?? Does anyone have an update??

[raisethehammer]

apparently they are having meetings to discuss the various shades of stucco that may or may not be used on their buildings. The last I heard is that they've narrowed it down to beige or light beige.

[ryan_mcgreal]

And we're all happy the Rude Native is one of them. The place was horrible.

I loved the Rude Native. Their Spicy Mussels were almost unbearably good.

[raisethehammer]

I loved the Rude Native. Their Spicy Mussels were almost unbearably good.

Lol...that exact dish is what turned us off forever! TWICE we ordered it and both times got a huge plate of rotten, stinky mussles. Once I can pass as a mistake, twice in a row is a bad resto! haha.
This was in the final year before they closed, after they lost their flagship chef (who now owns the fabulous Boo's Bistro on James South). He was the man behind the Rude Native. Once they lost him to The Junction, the place went right down the toilet and closed in short order.

If you haven't checked out Boo's, do it! Awesome spot.

[FairHamilton]

apparently they are having meetings to discuss the various shades of stucco that may or may not be used on their buildings. The last I heard is that they've narrowed it down to beige or light beige.

Thanks for providing value.

[SteelTown]

McMaster is waiting for Burlington to decide if they'll provide $10 million for the new location. It's unknown what will happen from Burlington's City Hall. Mac needs the $10 million. The deal could die if no money provide from Burlington's City Hall.

[raisethehammer]

Thanks for providing value.

Lol....no probs.
Sorry for derailing the discussion...I wasn't sure where to put the Strata Condo info so I stuck it here.

[Millstone]

I loved the Rude Native. Their Spicy Mussels were almost unbearably good.

The Rude Native is a great addition to Burlington's downtown. It's a great lunch spot.

[realcity]

apparently they are having meetings to discuss the various shades of stucco that may or may not be used on their buildings. The last I heard is that they've narrowed it down to beige or light beige.

thanks that's the best laugh i've had in a while

[drpgq]

Mo Money for Mac. Apologies if this was posted somewhere else previously.

New digestive health institute launches with 'super star' leader
by FHS Advancement
October 09, 2008

A $15 million gift today launched a new research institute at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University which will work towards the causes and cures of digestive diseases.

The Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute will have a research focus on understanding the causes of common gastroenterology conditions, particularly inflammatory and other bowel diseases, with particular attention on the role of the intestinal microbial environment. This research will generate new therapeutic approaches to the disorders which affect more than 2 million Canadians and impact many aspects of health.

The new institute has been initiated by the Farncombe family of Oakville. They have donated $15 million to provide capital for new facilities, as well as the creation of endowed leadership positions, and the development of a team of young researchers.

The institute will build on a successful digestive health research program developed at the university for more than 25 years, considered one of the top 10 gastroenterology research groups in the world. An internationally-renowned 'super star' in the field has been attracted as its inaugural director. John Wallace, a pharmacologist and founder of two pharmaceutical companies, is currently at the University of Calgary, and will take the Institute position on January 1, 2009.

"We sincerely appreciate the leadership of the Farncombe family," said Peter George, president and vice-chancellor of McMaster University. "Their gift is the fourth largest gift ever to a Canadian medical school. Three of these four gifts have come to the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, which attests to the world-renowned work being done here."

"The Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute will greatly enhance our capacity to help the thousands who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease."

Kevin Glasgow, CEO of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada, said there is a profound need for additional research, as Canada has amongst the highest prevalence rates for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in the world.

"McMaster is already robust as a world leader in digestive health research, and from its young researchers has spawned the leaders of many other important gastrointestinal research centres. This will solidify its pre-eminent role."

He called John Wallace a 'super star', adding: "Dr. Wallace is one of Canada's - and the world's - pre-eminent gastrointestinal researchers."

John Wallace said: "I am delighted to be joining one of the premier digestive disease research groups in the world. The generosity of the Farncombe family will allow us to build on the existing excellence, achieving our goal of developing better therapies and cures for many chronic digestive diseases."

The Farncombe family initially gave $3.5 million in 2004 to the intestinal diseases research program at McMaster, to establish a gnotobiotic or sterile laboratory unique in Canadian universities, as well as an endowed professorial chair, the Farncombe Family Chair in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. That gift subsequently prompted more than $21.5 million in research grants; investments in additional facilities including DNA sequencing equipment and the allocation of two senior scientist positions, as well as the arrival of international graduate students attracted by its research programs.

The $15 million gift announced today will provide:

# Capital for a new $3.5 million facility within the McMaster Health Sciences Centre, to include labs, offices and an innovation meeting area and atrium for multi-disciplinary scientists to share ideas and generate new collaborations. Construction is expected to begin in 2009;

# Establishment of a Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research chair with a $3 million endowment, to support the institute's scientific director;

# Three chairs, endowed with $2 million each, to attract high potential junior researchers and allow them to establish their academic research career over a five year term;

# Scholarships for graduate students.

"This is a fascinating area of study. At a time when we hear of deadly digestive infections such as Listeria, there is increasing evidence that some infectious agents are required for the body to maintain health," said John Kelton, the dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the dean of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine.

"In other words, healthy individuals require a balance in the type and number of bacteria that live within their bodies. The Farncombe Family's remarkable gift will allow McMaster to be the first Canadian university to systematically address this important question by studying the effects of bacteria on the entire well-being of humans."

Development of a young team of researchers is important, said Steve Collins, a founding leader of the digestive research program at McMaster and now associate dean for Research for the Faculty of Health Sciences.

"We are very grateful to the Farncombe family for their continued support of our research," he said. "This gift will enable us to fully exploit our large germ-free laboratory which is essential to better understand how intestinal microbes can initiate and maintain chronic disease. We now have a unique infrastructure that will attract scientists of the highest calibre and enable us to go beyond existing boundaries in our search for the causes of functional and inflammatory bowel diseases."

[raisethehammer]

I overheard a conversation at a downtown restaurant recently. A guy who worked at Mac said they are looking to locate at the QEW and Walkers line.
He sounded like a real hick, bashing Hamilton and making it sound trashy...all while enjoying a great meal at a fabulous James North resto. I guess we still don't have enough big box stores and strip malls for his liking.

[thistleclub]

Mac campus focus of mayor’s annual speech (http://www.burlingtonpost.com/news/article/213666)
Cam Jackson uses annual state-of-the-city address to pump up proposed project
By Melanie Cummings, Special To Burlington Post
Oct 17, 2008

The city is hungry for a performing arts centre, judging from the reaction Mayor Cam Jackson received at his annual state-of-the-city address Wednesday (Oct. 15).

Among a long list of plans and achievements, the impending theatre and concert hall generated the most reaction from about 250 people gathered at the Burlington Golf & Country Club.

The presentation, organized by the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, drew newly-elected MP Mike Wallace and Mayor Fred de Graaf from Burlington’s twin city of Apeldoorn, Netherlands. De Graaf is in Burlington to provide input into the city’s cycling master plan.

Jackson announced that the city has reached the public fundraising goal of $11 million toward the $36.2 million cost of the city’s first performing arts centre, which is expected to open in 2011.

This news garnered more audible approval than the heavy focus the mayor’s speech dedicated to ongoing efforts to bring a McMaster University business school and family medicine clinic to the city — as well as include Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital among the university’s teaching sites.

“It will establish our city as a healthy, smart community with a global brand well-equipped to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges,” said Jackson.

The deal requires the city to put up $10 million for the six-storey South Service Road campus. Council has requested financial help from the region to meet this cost.

“These discussions are proceeding very positively,” said Jackson of the 20-month long talks between the university and the city. “These three exciting opportunities have the potential to transform the quality of life in our city.”

[raisethehammer]

some intense, high-level talks continue about this project.
Apparently the latest holdup is a debate over whether Tim Hortons or Country Style should be the flagship coffee shop on campus, and whether it should have a single or double drive-thru.

[thistleclub]

Burlington Council has apparently approved the 4.5 acres on South Service Road as site of the DeGroote School of Business’ Centre for Advanced Mangement Studies. Burlington agreed to invest $5m in the campus, while looking to Halton Region for a matching regional investment.

According to McMaster Daily News (http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/story.cfm?id=5719)...

McMaster's comprehensive Burlington plan features three integrated components:

• the DeGroote School of Business's Centre for Advanced Management Studies to be constructed on the South Service Road site east of Walkers Line

• a downtown Burlington Family Medical Teaching Unit, home to family physicians and medical residents who will treat and care for patients

• an affiliation between the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine and Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital.

[FairHamilton]

I still think Hamilton should look to another school in Ontario, or beyond, that wants to expand it's base outside of its 'home city'.

Western, Queens, York, Carleton, Trent, etc. Just name one, or two and approach them about picking up a location in downtown Hamilton.

[thistleclub]

Tomorrow morning Mac will kick off construction for the expansion of the new campus of the DeGroote School of Business into with an event at the Burlington Convention Centre.

http://www.degroote.mcmaster.ca/about/burlington.html

The build will of course be part of a neighbourly initiative that includes establishing a regional family medicine resident program and a future affiliation with Jo Brant.

[jgrwatson]

some intense, high-level talks continue about this project.
Apparently the latest holdup is a debate over whether Tim Hortons or Country Style should be the flagship coffee shop on campus, and whether it should have a single or double drive-thru.

Oh how I love this comment! How suiting to an already suburban city with a suburban mindset. Mac should be banished for even considering moving to Burlington rather then pumping up downtown Hamilton anyways.

How does Mac expect students to get to and from the campus? STUDENTS can't afford to live in Burlington, which implies everyone will drive! Continuing the spiral of the suburban mindset. Why not put a campus, say, in Markham or Oshawa, like somewhere which expands Mac's sphere!?! That is what every other campus in the world does.

Mac, Burlington, double drive-thrus - man this shat goes hand and hand.

[markbarbera]

How does Mac expect students to get to and from the campus? STUDENTS can't afford to live in Burlington, which implies everyone will drive! Continuing the spiral of the suburban mindset. Why not put a campus, say, in Markham or Oshawa, like somewhere which expands Mac's sphere!?! That is what every other campus in the world does.


The Burlington campus will not be serving your typical undergraduate. According to their own website: "Executive programs and some graduate programs, including the MBA program, will be located there." It is designed to attract graduates and employed professionals looking for MBA and continuing education courses. This demographic can afford living in Burlington, which is the principle bedroom community for a significant segment of Toronto's business community. The campus is also located directly beside Appleby GO Station and is therefore easily accessible by either car or public transit.

[jgrwatson]

Being beside Appleby is great and all - but then the question is even more pressing as to why Mac did not just keep it in Hamilton anyways? Land has to be cheaper? .

The distance is also marginal. Being 15km from DT Hamilton or DT Hamilton itself is irrelevant as to attracting professionals from surrounding areas - I would think anyways - esp. via GO.

[markbarbera]

I am not privy to Mac's reasoning on this, but the cost of readily available land land and target demographics of its potential student body would have had to figure prominently in the decision-making process. Burlington chipping in $5 million didn't hurt, either.

I don't think Mac should feel obliged to restrict its campus sites exclusively within Hamilton. As has been already stated, many schools have satellite campus in neighbouring communities. For example, UofT has a Scarborough campus and Brock has a Hamilton campus.

It's not like Mac is neglecting Hamilton. On the contrary, it has contributed significantly to this city's growth and its future, with such projects as the Innovation Park, the downtown continuing ed centre, and the future downtown health care centre. I don't see any point in begrudging them for setting up this one satellite campus outside our city limits.

[Millstone]

I don't think Mac should feel obliged to restrict its campus sites exclusively within Hamilton. As has been already stated, many schools have satellite campus in neighbouring communities. For example, UofT has a Scarborough campus and Brock has a Hamilton campus.
Scarborough is inside Toronto's city limits, and Brock Hamilton looks like ass. :)

[markbarbera]

Scarborough is inside Toronto's city limits, and Brock Hamilton looks like ass. :)

True, the Scarborough campus is now within Toronto city limits (it was not when it was founded). UofT also has a Mississauga campus.

[FairHamilton]

Laurier has a Brantford campus.

[SteelTown]

McMaster has a Kitchener and Niagara campus as well.

[SteelTown]

http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/images/burlingtoncampusdn1.jpg

[SteelTown]

Celebrating expansion into Burlington

June 17, 2009
http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/story.cfm?id=6238

McMaster University celebrated its expansion to Halton Region today kicking off construction on its South Service Road campus and announcing the new building would be known as The Ron Joyce Centre at the DeGroote School of Business. The Centre, located west of Appleby Line will house McMaster's MBA program and a range of new targeted executive education initiatives.

"As we celebrate another milestone in this important project, we are one step closer to earning a return on the investment that we're making in post secondary education in Halton and Burlington," says McMaster University President Peter George. "Thanks to the visionary support of Ron Joyce, the DeGroote family and our partners at Halton Region and the City of Burlington, McMaster's integrated expansion plan for Burlington will produce significant and substantial benefits to the region's citizens and businesses and unique opportunities for students."

McMaster's Halton Region expansion plan also includes establishing a regional family medicine clinic and resident program and a future affiliation with Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in addition to constructing a new campus for the DeGroote School of Business. The City of Burlington and Region of Halton have each invested $5 million in the expansion.

"McMaster University's historic expansion into Burlington will deliver a highly respected post-secondary presence, ensure better access to health care for our citizens, increase opportunities for local business retention and growth, and create a stronger economic future for our community. These investments will produce immediate returns and, perhaps more importantly, lay the foundation for a strong and certain future for the Region of Halton," said Mayor Cam Jackson.

Local entrepreneur and philanthropist Ron Joyce made an early $10-million commitment to the project. The land on which the new Centre will be constructed will be donated by Michael H. DeGroote of Westbury International.

The Centre will be the new home of DeGroote's MBA program and will also offer executive education opportunities for business professionals, including specialized master's degree programs as well as non-degree programs.

"McMaster's expansion to Burlington provides significant benefits to our students," says Paul Bates, dean of the DeGroote School of Business. "The campus' strategic location in the heart of the business community will allow students to forge close relationships with business leaders and future employers, engage in experiential learning all while completing their studies," he says.

[markbarbera]

Celebrating expansion into Burlington

June 17, 2009
http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/story.cfm?id=6238

McMaster University celebrated its expansion to Halton Region today kicking off construction on its South Service Road campus and announcing the new building would be known as The Ron Joyce Centre at the DeGroote School of Business. The Centre, located west of Appleby Line will house McMaster's MBA program and a range of new targeted executive education initiatives.

"As we celebrate another milestone in this important project, we are one step closer to earning a return on the investment that we're making in post secondary education in Halton and Burlington," says McMaster University President Peter George. "Thanks to the visionary support of Ron Joyce, the DeGroote family and our partners at Halton Region and the City of Burlington, McMaster's integrated expansion plan for Burlington will produce significant and substantial benefits to the region's citizens and businesses and unique opportunities for students."

McMaster's Halton Region expansion plan also includes establishing a regional family medicine clinic and resident program and a future affiliation with Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in addition to constructing a new campus for the DeGroote School of Business. The City of Burlington and Region of Halton have each invested $5 million in the expansion.

"McMaster University's historic expansion into Burlington will deliver a highly respected post-secondary presence, ensure better access to health care for our citizens, increase opportunities for local business retention and growth, and create a stronger economic future for our community. These investments will produce immediate returns and, perhaps more importantly, lay the foundation for a strong and certain future for the Region of Halton," said Mayor Cam Jackson.

Local entrepreneur and philanthropist Ron Joyce made an early $10-million commitment to the project. The land on which the new Centre will be constructed will be donated by Michael H. DeGroote of Westbury International.

The Centre will be the new home of DeGroote's MBA program and will also offer executive education opportunities for business professionals, including specialized master's degree programs as well as non-degree programs.

"McMaster's expansion to Burlington provides significant benefits to our students," says Paul Bates, dean of the DeGroote School of Business. "The campus' strategic location in the heart of the business community will allow students to forge close relationships with business leaders and future employers, engage in experiential learning all while completing their studies," he says.

Hmmm, the land for the campus was donated by Michael DeGroote, the City of Burlington and Halton Region are coughing up $5 million each, and Burlington resident Ron Joyce donated $10 million towards the campus. Anyone still wondering why it's in Burlington?

[SteelTown]

Ron Joyce Centre for Advanced Management

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4349591570_2fcb731e54_o.jpg
McMaster Daily News
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcmasterdailynews/4349591570/in/set-72157623409946174/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2703/4348844393_7deef62aea_o.jpg
McMaster Daily News
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcmasterdailynews/4348844393/sizes/o/in/set-72157623409946174/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4349591638_b41ff08194_o.jpg
McMaster Daily News
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcmasterdailynews/4349591638/sizes/o/in/set-72157623409946174/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2681/4349591720_8f3644833a_o.jpg
McMaster Daily News
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcmasterdailynews/4349591720/sizes/o/in/set-72157623409946174/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4349591702_4a9592f12a_o.jpg
McMaster Daily News
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcmasterdailynews/4349591702/sizes/o/in/set-72157623409946174/

[matt602]

I saw that from the highway a few months ago. It actually looks pretty cool. Very tasteful like the new engineering building on the Mac campus. Lots of glass.

[realcity]

Too bad MIP doesn't move on construction this fast.

[SteelTown]

You kidding? This has been talked about since late 2006 with proposed downtown Burlington location.

[realcity]

but once the location was selected it went up fast

[markbarbera]

It takes no time building on a greenfield rather than an industrial brownfield like the former Westinghouse site. With brownfields you have to deal with land remediation, which is costly and time consuming, and heaps more red tape to muddle through on all levels of government.

[SteelTown]

Plus the entire building was gutted out to create a hollow centre with skylights.

[LikeHamilton]

Yes, asbestos removal is expensive and time consuming.