Co-location, location, location

The federal and provincial governments have committed funds for UNB Saint John and NBCC Saint John expansions.

This has brought up the discussion of co-location of the two post-secondary institutions.

While local media and business leaders are pushing for more co-location (currently a medical training centre of the Community College will be located at the university campus), some folks aren’t as quick to support this concept. 

Co-location could create some synergies and foster better co-operation between the two schools. However, co-locating at Tucker Park could also put a stain on the campus, if adequate planning is not done.  I don’t recall from my days at UNB Saint John that the campus had too much extra space (lots of land, but parking and cafeteria space were pretty well used).

The debate could lead to some positive solutions that help make Saint John a “smarter city.”  Lets hope it plays out that way.

I for one think it would be great if some of the funds going into post-secondary infrastructure could go to the downtown.  It would be great if the Coast Guard development could feature some post secondary development; the uptown could benefit from students and academics rubbing shoulders with the business and arts community that already populate the city core.