CAPILANO University's leadership restated its desire to open a satellite campus in Lower Lonsdale Monday night, although how the building might be paid for remains unclear.
President Kris Bulcroft appeared before City of North Vancouver's council to say how excited she was about the opportunity to find space in Shipbuilders Square.
"As most of you know," she said, "Capilano University is undergoing a profound transformation. Our enrolment has never been stronger and in fact we have more students than ever internationally and more students than ever from out of province and an ever increasing number of First Nations students."
Bulcroft also noted the opening of Capilano's new film and animation centre, an elder college in West Vancouver, training programs at the former Plymouth elementary building and plans to build residences on the current Lynnmour campus.
However, she said, "I believe we must partner to achieve some of our lofty goals."
Bulcroft conceded that neither the university nor the province would be able to provide any capital money to build a new facility, but assured council that Capilano would be willing to enter a long-term lease agreement that could help fund a building.
"The support is there, because everyone knows this would be a vibrant, exciting, active, not-your-typical-university setting that would really enhance our presence, be a benefit to businesses and the arts community, and the city too.
"I am looking forward to a partnership that will move this forward."
"There's been a lot of talk," said Coun. Craig Keating, "and maybe it's time to move forward on what the Shipyards site will look like.
"One of the things that would be crucial not just for us but for generations to come would be a university campus at the heart of our community . . . I think this would be a signal moment in suggesting what kind of community we are," he said.
Keating also framed the issue as an economic development one for the city, arguing that students would "pour out of the campus" for meals and drinks.
"I think it makes total sense," said Coun. Linda Buchanan. "It provides complete vibrancy for our community."
Buchanan, a former school trustee, emphasized the "lifelong learning" possibilities that a university campus could provide.
Coun. Rod Clark, while supportive, sounded a note of caution.
"We are certainly building expectations down at the waterfront," he said. "I was enthused and encouraged to hear that Capilano University is already here through (John Braithwaite Community Centre) and other environments in Lower Lonsdale. That's all great and wonderful.
"Cap University, with all respect, is but one of a whole host of needs of that we've identified down there," said Clark, noting earlier calls for a museum and theatre in Lower Lonsdale.
"At some point in the very near future, we're going to have to talk about where the money is," he said.
"I don't want to pour cold water on all the enthusiasm, but this is a taxpayer-funded organization."
"I haven't heard anything tonight I disagree with," said Mayor Darrell Mussatto. "It's a very large site and I think there is space for a number of activities."
Mussatto noted that Capilano University would likely seek 10,000 to 20,000 square feet of space, and the former National Maritime Centre site is zoned for as much as 120,000 square feet.
"I see this as one component of a very vibrant area," he said.
Council unanimously approved a motion for staff to start talks with Capilano University about an agreement for a Lower Lonsdale campus.
