Capilano University's future in Squamish is looking brighter with the purchase of 1.87 hectares (4.64 acres) of downtown waterfront land near the estuary that was formerly owned by BC Rail.The expansion is an important move in ensuring Capilano University remains central to a growing community, said president Dr. Greg Lee."The acquisition of this land is really a building block for the future that will allow the university to grow as the community expands," he said. "This critical first step was completed as a direct result of the foresight and hard work of Squamish Mayor Ian Sutherland and with the strong support of MLA Joan McIntyre."The Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development funded the purchase, which amounted to approximately $1.5 million. Meanwhile, Nature Trust of BC is working to acquire about 5.2 hectares (13 acres) of neighbouring estuary land from BC Rail, which will be protected from future development.Capilano's Dean of Howe Sound and Tourism Programs Casey Dorin said the area will provide the school with a natural laboratory, adding that eventually he would like to see a boardwalk system through the estuary to enhance interpretive possibilities for the school and community. The new site will attract people in many ways, he said."Having a new facility one day will play an important role as an economic driver in the region, attracting employees and students from the immediate area and from around the world," he said. "It really is the future of education in the community."Sutherland sees Capilano's expansion closer to the water as an integral move for the overall development of the downtown and it ensures the community will continue to have access to education in the town's core, he said."This is an important milestone as Capilano University looks forward to expanding its campus in Squamish," he said. "Having the university in the heart of our community is a cornerstone of our downtown revitalization strategy."Capilano University is the only public post-secondary institution from Deep Cove to Mt. Currie. In 1973, it first offered Squamish classes in the basement of a local resident. In 1979, Capilano opened its first campus on Second Avenue, moving into its current facility at Carson Place in 1995. Last year, more than 180 students enrolled in programs at Capilano's Squamish campus, including five international students.
