No secrecy in plan for College Avenue

I would like to address Jim Gallagher’s letter of June 14 regarding the Conexus project as part of revitalization of the University of Regina’s College Avenue Campus.

First, his assertion of a “secret deal” ignores the facts. In June 2016, the University of Regina held consultations on the proposal, holding two open forums.

These forums were publicized through a news conference, two Regina Leader-Post advertisements and email invitations to approximately 25,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the public.

The university also conducted targeted meetings with business, arts and heritage groups.

Second, under the University of Regina Act, the College Avenue Campus renewal and the Conexus partnership fall under the “duties and powers” of the University Board of Governors, not the Senate.

The board of governors approved the project in July 2016, the month following public meetings as well as other due diligence.

In order to be transparent, members of the Senate were kept informed on an ongoing basis of efforts to renew the College Avenue Campus.

On multiple occasions the College Avenue Campus revitalization and potential partnership were orally raised by president Vianne Timmons with senators, and the president provided a written report to Senate in October 2016.