A new transportation corridor will see an improved access between Trent University’s Peterborough campus and the Greater Toronto Area, as well as other global transportation hubs. The 407 extension through to Highway 35/115 is now open, providing drivers with an alternative route and faster travel times to and from Peterborough.

This development complements the way that the region is growing as an economic and education destination.

“The opening of the 407 extension to Peterborough will connect us to Toronto in a way we haven’t been connected in the past,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent’s president and vice-chancellor. “It will provide our researchers, students, staff, and their families with improved accessibility and travel times to the GTA, Airports and other transportation hubs. We welcome this improvement to Ontario infrastructure, and ways in which it will expand our connectedness to the region and the world – and its connectedness to us.”

This is also an important milestone in setting up investment in Peterborough for success and bodes well for opportunities like Cleantech Commons at Trent University.

“The focus of Cleantech Commons is on supporting cleantech innovation, while also supporting the community with high-value jobs and economic growth,” notes Martin Yuill, executive director of Cleantech Commons. “Improved access will make the Park a more desirable location for both emerging and growing cleantech ventures who wish to take advantage of being part of a community of like-minded clean, green and low-carbon innovators and entrepreneurs that is co-located with world-class academic, research and technical expertise found at Trent University.”

This is not the first time that Trent has played an integral role in a more integrated transportation network. In 2009, Go Transit announced bus service to Peterborough, and specifically to Trent’s campus, as a major development for their enhanced services in hub communities in southern and central Ontario.