Barrie Area Wants University for City

One of the largest cities in Canada that doesn’t have a university is looking to shed that title.

Barrie currently has no university, which is a bit odd given its size (population of more than 128,000). They do have other post-secondary options for people who want to study in the area. Georgian College, Everest College, and CTS Canadian Career College all have a campus in Barrie. But no university. Yet.

“Barrie is one of the largest cities in Canada without a university campus — and the need for one grows exponentially along with the population boom,” said Rod Jackson, Barrie’s MPP, in a recent guest article in The Barrie Examiner.

Jackson is, himself, a graduate of Georgian College and one of the loudest voices calling for a university in the area.

“We already have one of the best colleges in the country, Georgian College, and it would be great to add to that record with our own university,” said Jackson.

“The Liberal government has promised Ontario three new universities and I intend to hold them fully accountable for that promise.”

Jackson also stated that the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities has taken notice of Barrie and will come to discuss the possibility of a university in the near future.

Schools mentioned: Georgian College, Everest College, and CTS Canadian Career College