The Region of Durham has gifted Trent University GTA $1.42 million, making a significant contribution towards the University’s $5-million fundraising campaign to expand its Durham campus.

Regional Council approved the gift to Trent University Durham GTA last week for $474,000 per year over three years, the equivalent value to the land that the City of Oshawa has donated to the expansion project.

“We are grateful to the region for its support. This commitment will allow Trent to move forward with the planned expansion on Thornton Road, helping us to grow innovative programming and provide a 24/7 Trent experience for students who will benefit from new opportunities to live and learn on campus,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor, Trent University. “We want to thank the region for this donation and are excited to work with our postsecondary partners, Durham College and Ontario Tech University, providing quality education and career preparation to residents and visitors across the entire Region.”

The expansion, to be complete by fall 2020, will integrate both residence and academic space and will feature a 200-bed residence, a 100-seat tiered lecture hall, two 64-seat classrooms, research space, student common spaces, new green space, and faculty offices.

The Region of Durham, through the Envision Durham municipal comprehensive review, is planning for an attractive place to live, work, play, grow and invest. Expanding the Durham campus will continue providing residents of the region an education at home with an expanding programming offering and on-site accommodations.

“Trent University Durham GTA contributes greatly to the network of excellent post-secondary education institutions in the Region of Durham,” says John Henry, regional chair and CEO - Region of Durham. “Trent University Durham GTA is embarking on an exciting new chapter of growth and development after a long-standing history of program delivery in Oshawa. The Region of Durham is proud to align with Trent as a contributing partner to the expansion of the campus on Thornton Road, which will support the vision of residents that can live, learn and work in this great region.”

With Trent’s expansion, its economic impact in the region is also expected to grow from $47.3 million per year to an estimated $80 million, coupled with projected enrolment growth to 2,250 students by 2024. The Durham GTA campus is currently home to 1,400 students.

The Durham Region population, which is currently 682,500, is expected to grow to 1.2 million people by 2041.

The $5M Campaign for Trent University Durham GTA will support the campus expansion project, increase financial aid for students, and provide more career-enhancing experiences to ensure the success of Trent graduates. The investment from the Region builds on a $500,000 gift from alumnus and president of Durham Radio, Doug Kirk ’70 announced at the launch of the campaign on March 29.

Learn more about the new campaign for Trent Durham GTA, visit trentu.ca/durham/expansion/photo-gallery to access photos of the Trent Durham expansion project and visit trentu.ca/durham/expansion for further details on the campus expansion.

Neighbours of our Durham GTA campus are also invited to a drop in information session on Thursday, April 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. where they can chat with Trent leadership and architects, view drawings and plans, and have their questions answered. All are welcome and encouraged to attend to find out more about how the Trent Durham expansion will enhance the neighbourhood and Durham Region.