Land granted to University for environmental research
By Amanda Lampman
Lance Writer
September 26, 2007
Leamington council recently donated 22 acres of land to the University for the construction of an environmental research centre following a proposal by professors Dan Heath and Daniel Mennill.
“It will be very beneficial to the University and I hope it helps to attract worldwide interest in the research being conducted,” said Heath, who co-chairs the planning committee for the research centre.The facility is to be situated between Point Pelee and Hillman Marsh and will afford researchers access to its ecosystems.
“Many types of research will be conducted that are connected through the environment, such as earth science, biology and ecology field studies,” explained Heath.
Heath could not provide a completion date for the project, “because it depends on funding, but we expect it will be popular with funding agencies as it is in a great location.”
Heath also believes support will come from government funding, corporate sponsors, and perhaps from a private benefactor.
“The research centre will be directly linked to the University through undergraduate programs and field studies,” said Dr. Hugh MacIsaac, a biological professor and a researcher for the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER). MacIsaac believes the centre will be a perfect location for both GLIER and undergraduate research.
“Having a facility there would be ideal for processing field samples quickly and more accurately at the station, rather than having to bring them all the way back to the University.”
Not only will the research centre attract students and professors to the University, it will also benefit Leamington by drawing in researchers and tourists to the area.
With the development of the new environmental research centre, the University can further its promotion of being a forward thinking and innovative institution.
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