Laurentian University's board of governors approved a motion April 13 against a proposed secondary access road through campus.
They made the policy decision after a public consultation March 1 with students, staff and members of the public.
The motion said the university and community would be best served by traffic management options that don't involve a new access road through the campus.
“All agreed that this was an important issue, which warranted wide consultation,” said Dr. Judith Woodsworth, Laurentian University president, in a news release.
“In the end, the board felt strongly that this position is consistent with our strategic, academic and research goals, respects the university’s environmental policy and acknowledges our role as stewards of the land, with a view to long-term quality of life in our community.”
The following is the full text of the motion:
Whereas Laurentian University has successfully established an image in its promotional and recruitment material that emphasizes the natural environment of the Laurentian campus, its landscape, lakeshores, and opportunities for outdoor recreation;
And whereas Laurentian University’s distinctive "Learning, it's in our Nature" brand supports student and faculty recruitment to Laurentian;
And whereas the University community, users of the campus lands and other interested citizens, through a consultation process, have expressed their strong objection to the City of Greater Sudbury’s proposed access road through the Laurentian campus;
And whereas the University uses the campus lands in its teaching and research activities;
And whereas the University has stated in its approved Laurentian University Environmental Policy, approved in June 2006, that it will "act as a responsible steward of the natural ecology of its lands, including the wildlife, plants and water.";
And whereas the University recognizes its important role in developing the economy of the City of Greater Sudbury in collaboration with the City, all levels of government and industry;
And whereas the University has experienced significant growth in research activity while respecting the natural environment and is committed to continue the development of its research capacity to the benefit of the future prosperity of the City;
And whereas the University recognizes it is a major generator of traffic on Ramsey Lake Road and has therefore begun to initiate and support traffic management measures;
And whereas the University is considering expansion of its online and distance programs and residence capacity on campus - both of which decrease road traffic;
And whereas the University is ready to consider other traffic management options to address potential traffic congestion on Ramsey Lake Road in the light of future demands;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Laurentian University continue to pursue its strategic goals and develop the campus in a manner that is compatible with:
•the Laurentian University Environmental Policy
•the value of the natural environment in the branding of the University
•the campus planning guidelines (currently being revised and up-dated)
And further that the University request the City of Greater Sudbury to establish a task force of relevant traffic generators and interested parties to consider and recommend options for managing traffic on Ramsey Lake Road both now and in the future;
And further that Laurentian University believes that the interests of the University and the community will be best served by traffic management and development options that do not involve a new access road through the campus such as currently proposed by the City of Greater Sudbury.
