The University of Western Ontario plays a crucial role in the success of the city’s economy, helping to draw investors and new companies, says London Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best.
At her 10th annual State of the City address Wednesday, the mayor said bold action is need to ensure the city’s long-term prosperity.
“Western and Fanshawe (College) are the two institutions in our community that have a significant role to play in our economic development for the future,” she said later in an interview.
“A lot of our initiatives are in partnership with them, not only in research and development, creating new jobs, but also between the students and the faculties and the different ways we can co-op with companies. I can’t imagine London without any one of those institutions.”
Although the city suffered economic hits in 2009, DeCicco-Best says it is rebounding.
“Education, health care, research and development must play a dominant role in our ability to succeed in building a prosperous economy.”
Among the economic priorities is a partnership among the city, Western, Fanshawe and private sector to create a specialized advanced manufacturing and green park. “This partnership will create leading-edge production facilities, integrated research, training and workforce programs that target new opportunities for green technology.”
Similarly, Western, Trojan Technologies and the city have teamed up to develop a Wastewater Treatment Technology Centre.
“We want companies to bring their science to our city.”
The Wind Engineering Energy & Environment (WindEEE) dome; the Claudette Mackay-Lassonde Pavilion, often dubbed the ‘green building;’ and the Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR) are cited as examples of how Western is helping to put London on the map.
Robarts Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre and WORLDiscoveries are also contributing to London’s success.
“Not only are we the centre of excellence in Canada, but let’s ensure everyone else in the world knows it too.”