News:

Town and Gown Association of Ontario (TGAO)

January 24, 2006

Over the course of the past year, The Town and Gown Association of Ontario (TGAO), a multi-stakeholder group, has formed a collaborative organization to help communities explore creative solutions to the challenges that result from their growing university populations.

The association evolved out of Town and Gown symposia held in Waterloo, Hamilton and Guelph during 2004 and 2005. The continued growth of post-secondary institutions and the subsequent effects on near campus neighbourhoods was the catalyst for these symposia.

Attendees recognized that there were many issues of common interest in town and gown municipalities across the Province that could best be served by partnering efforts and sharing information. Upon direction from the participants at the Hamilton and Guelph symposia, a volunteer working group of interested stakeholders was formed to create the association.  

The ‘Town' represents the municipality and community where the ‘Gown', or a post-secondary educational institution, calls home

TGAO was formally launched in November, 2005. “There's no doubt about it – the continued growth of universities and colleges has an effect on near-campus neighbourhoods and we have to work together because we all live together,” explains Kaye Crawford, co-chair. “Our group has formed because we recognize that with the similar challenges we may face, we also have some unique opportunities to explore solutions collectively. And really, that's what we're all about – looking for ways to work together to improve the quality of life for those who live near a post-secondary institution and for the students to have a safe and happy post-secondary experience.”

“We're confident that virtually all interested stakeholders in Ontario will be members by the end of the year,” said Rob Payne, co-chair. “In the meantime, the interim board will continue to work on the website, with the next phase being the development of the logo, overall site design and members-only access area.”

TGAO's initial membership drive brought in more than 60 members. Included are sixteen cities that host post secondary institutions, as well as thirteen universities and colleges. Student groups as well as community groups are also members.

Brian was one of the first members of TGAO and Dale Brown is a member of the interim board. Hamilton is well represented with members from AWWCA, McMaster, Westdale BIA, Hamilton Police Services, City of Hamilton Planning and Economic Development staff, and Mohawk College.

One stop shopping for resources on town and gown best practices is now available to community residents, post-secondary institutions, students, municipalities and landlords at www.tgao.ca. It includes research papers, government reports and the latest news on issues that affect near-campus communities. This site has been developed in response to feedback from more than 300 participants in Town and Gown symposia held in Waterloo, Hamilton and Guelph and at Brock University during 2004 / 2005.

The next symposium is tentatively planned for May 2006 in Brantford.

For further information, contact info@tgao.ca.