Simcoe County presents $1 million to Lakehead

Midhurst/October 24, 2012 - On behalf of Simcoe County Council, Warden Cal Patterson presented Lakehead University Orillia with a $1-million cheque in support of post-secondary education.

"Lakehead University Orillia is a vital piece of Simcoe County's knowledge-based economy," said Warden Cal Patterson. "County Council recognizes the positive impact access to post-secondary education has on residents and the overall economic well-being of Simcoe County. We look forward to a continued partnership with Lakehead University as we build greater opportunities in Simcoe County."

Accepting the contribution was Dr. Kim Fedderson, Lakehead University Dean and Vice-Provost, Orillia Campus, on behalf of Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson.

"Lakehead University is very pleased to have the continued support of Simcoe County," said Dr. Stevenson. "Working together we have been able to increase opportunities for access to university education throughout the County."

Cheque presentation at Lakehead University (l to r): Kim Fedderson, Dean & Vice-Provost, Orillia Campus, Lakehead University; Harry Hughes, Deputy Warden, County of Simcoe; Cal Patterson, Warden, County of Simcoe; Deb Comuzzi, Vice-President, External Relations, Lakehead University; Gerry Marshall and Rob Keffer, Simcoe County Councillors.

To date, the County of Simcoe has contributed $2.5 million to Lakehead University, Orillia Campus.

"We are already seeing the impact that the University is having on our workforce as we prepare to meet the challenges of a knowledge-based economy," said Dr. Fedderson. "The number of residents in Simcoe County who attend university is on the rise, and this positive change in our communities owes much to the leadership and vision of County Council."

Lakehead University Orillia continues to be a key partner in numerous economic development initiatives laid out in the County of Simcoe's 10-year economic development and tourism strategic plan adopted in June 2011.

Statistics show at least eight out of every 10 new jobs created today require at least a post-secondary degree or diploma to apply. For Simcoe County, this means nearly 50 per cent of our current workforce could have difficulty securing a job in the new economy because they don't have the basic entry requirements. It also means Simcoe County could have difficulty attracting new employment opportunities because we don't have the necessary skills in our existing workforce, or the ability to train our residents with the required skills.

Studies also show that more than 60 per cent of post-secondary graduates choose to stay and live in the immediate area in which they receive their post-secondary education. This is why providing post-secondary education opportunities close to home is a vital piece in strengthening any local economy.

The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

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