UTM and the City of Mississauga sign a memorandum of understanding to collaborate
Published May 24, 2023 at 12:07 pm
The City of Mississauga and the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on shared goals.
Council members and UTM agreed on the memorandum at the General Committee meeting today (May 24).
The UTM campus started as Erindale College with one building in 1967 with 155 students, 28 faculty, 40 staff members, Meric S. Gertler, president of the University of Toronto told the committee. Now, there are more than 16,000 students and over 2,500 faculty and staff.
“I think it’s clear that Mississauga and UTM have grown up together,” said Gertler. “Their partnership has been mutually beneficial, propelling both the campus and the city to greater success.”
UTM scholars collaborate with many of the world’s top research institutions, Gertler added. Partners are based in the UK, USA, Switzerland, China, Singapore, Netherlands, France, Australia, Sweden, and Germany.
Research collaboration also extends to industrial partners including global leaders in biotech, pharmacology, healthcare, engineering, robotics and consulting, he added.
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Working together, the UTM and City of Mississauga could collaborate on projects that impact the future, said Alexandra Gillespie, vice president for U of T and principal at UTM.
“Together, Mississauga and U of T can drive life science discovery, and create robotics technologies for the future, strengthen a pipeline of industry-ready talent, accelerate a climate positive future, and promote mental health supports for every child to flourish,” said Gillespie.
Councillors passed the memorandum of understanding unanimously.
“It goes without saying how incredibly proud we are to have such a renowned post-secondary institution in our city,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “And we’re very proud of this great initiative.”
Crombie said the agreement helps define the city’s position.
“We have a strong relationship but this helps us now chart a clear path or an even more strategic and collaborative relationship going forward in the future,” Crombie said.
The MOU between the City and UTM will address shared goals of promoting Truth and Reconciliation, combatting racism, advancing a prosperous future, building sustainable communities and fostering healthy populations.
Strategic initiatives include:
- Advancing equity, diversity and inclusion
- Promoting innovation and research support across the university’s three campuses
- Considering city capacity building
- Exploring experiential learning opportunities
- Promoting connections of the teaching mission with local economy needs
- Expanding the entrepreneurship ecosystem
- Coordinating international industry and business engagement
- Aligning joint advocacy on shared priorities
- Inspiring student engagement in the city
- Showcasing thought leaders and experts
There will be a table (committee) made up of city and UTM members.
For more information, see the report here.
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