"Cowardice asks the question...is it safe? Expediency asks the question...is it politic? Vanity asks the question...is it popular? But conscience asks the question...is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because it is right." ~Dr. Martin Luther King

Friday 14 March 2014

Hallelujah I'm a Bum

Guelph University is closing two  satellite camps to cut costs.

I love it when I'm right.

Recently town staff were out  soliciting potential  locations to offer to Windsor University
as a satellite campus

Owners  were asked if they would be willing to sell their property and if so what would be the price.

I've never heard of that method of public acquisition of  property.

Among other points in an argument , I  referred to York University having to  cancel programs to cut costs.

Attracting a post-secondary institution  is an objectives  of the  town's Strategic Plan .  No doubt  contributing to the aim of " an exceptional quality of  life for all "

The consultant study  was budgeted at  $80,000.

There was already a Strategic Plan.  An update  required review it and changes  wherever necessary.

Didn't need to spend  money.

But  high -flying objectives of excellence and exceptionality were in the wind.

Staff have pursued  other  objectives  that came to nought.

Yesterday we heard that Staples is closing stores. Taking sales on line.

We just approved a three million, three year plan to replace plain with patterned concrete sidewalks.

That's part of the Promenade Study.

Build it and they will beat a  path to the doors of stores .   Not likely.

If I were a cartoonist, I would draw a picture of  a straight line of ostriches ,posteriors in full view with  signs hanging from their tail feathers.













17 comments:

Some facts for ya said...

Maybe Aurora should look at another successful implementation of this concept. They used a surplus school. Maybe we could use the Hydro building when the kiddies move out.

http://www.stthomastimesjournal.com/2011/09/12/algoma-university-eyes-city-campus

http://www.algomau.ca/currentstudents/stthomas/program/

In fairness, the Guelph satellites are agriculture campuses in Eastern Ontario. Guelph was spending almost $7M a year to operate them. Guelph will concentrate on the Ridgetown facility instead, and let geographically closer institutions worry about Eastern Ontario.

Here's some numbers..
Kemptville campus:128 students, 75 full-time staff

Alfred campus: 61 students, 37 full-time staff (French-language: half of student enrolment from Quebec)

Ridgetown campus: 650 students, 120 full-time staff

I think this is a good move for Ontario tax payers.

Anonymous said...

Christopher has new material - tee, hee !

Anonymous said...

Guelph also does oodles of out-reach programming. Before computers, I took a course from them by mail - dealt directly with the teacher, cost just postage as an adult.

Anonymous said...

We haven't even got a decent hotel. how the heck can we attract anything that might involve needing a place to stay ? Never mind the cost of housing in aurora. Lots of students would get their folks to buy a house so a bunch of them could room together. NOT !

Anonymous said...

WTF the Town is going to buy Hallmark Cards' building ????
Oh, sorry, the agenda is up.

Anonymous said...

14:54
Our family has bought flowers, in small quantities and large arrangements from Caruso's for years. None of us have ever encountered Mike. There have been 4 very capable ladies who handle everything. I suspect anyone asking about whether or not patterned sidewalks would increase the flow of business would have asked them for their opinion rather than an off-site owner. Just saying

Anonymous said...


In the Agenda for next Tuesday's Council meeting there is a closed session from GC to consider the purchase of the property at 100 Vandorf Sideroad.

This is the building occupied by Hallmark Cards.

Does this mean we are going into the greeting card business or that we wish to add to the town's inventory of land and buildings?

Is this building by any chance large enough to accommodate one or both of the Departments for which in excess of $26,000,000 is being spent?

I really would like to know just what in the hell the Council of MY TOWN is doing.

From where did this matter arise and who is the stalwart genius responsible? This question can be taken as either a compliment or its opposite.

I really would like a factual response. FACTUAL!!!

Anonymous said...

14:54-Evelyn was making a comparison to Richmond Hill's down town core. RH down town actually looks like it's in decay. She went for a drive after Clr. Thompson commented on some money that RH "invested" in RH down town, and in fact they did not.

Anonymous said...

I think the Agenda mention of the purchase of the Hallmark Bldg might be yet another communications gaffe. There is no reason for drawing this to the attention of residents already angry about how this Council handles real estate matters.

Anonymous said...

16:00- This could be a possibility.
Newmarket and East Gwillimbury and scrambling around as well.But I don't know it as a fact.

www.yorkregion.com/news-story/4405147-york-university-wants-to-set-up-york-region-campus/

Anonymous said...


STOP THE PRESS

yorkregion.com

Stephen Somerville campaign team member accuses Maddie Di Muccio of threats

Great place to raise a family.

Go read the article for yourself.

Anonymous said...

Banner related news releases about conservatives fighting..... on Twitter !!!

Anonymous said...

Loved your topic heading
Excellent week
Peace

Anonymous said...

@17:16
Newmarket & E. G. can deliver a united council. Aurora might cobble one together for the occasion but that isn't going to fool those who make the decisions.

Anonymous said...

Nmkt Council united?!

Exhibit A: councillor referenced in 18:53's comment

Anonymous said...

@19:28
And yet another Ballard twit-partner hits the political dust..............

Anonymous said...

8:54
He sure can pick them