The City of Kamloops and Thompson Rivers University (TRU) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that builds on the current relationship by establishing a commitment to ongoing collaboration.
"TRU grew with this community. We employ more than 2,100 people, have 15,000 students on campus and another 15,000 who study through Open Learning. Beyond that, we have thousands of alumni who call Kamloops home. It makes sense that we continue to collaborate with the city and region. This MOU says we are dedicated to increasing this collaboration," said TRU President Alan Shaver.
An official signing of the MOU took place on August 23rd at the Tournament Capital Centre (TCC). The venue is home to many of TRU's athletics programs including WolfPack team practices and competitions. It's also a visible representation of the strength of the historical relationship between Kamloops and the university.
"The City and TRU have a long history of working together for the benefit of our community," said Mayor Ken Christian. "This MOU formalizes the relationship, and signals our intent to continue to pursue opportunities that support our respective goals and areas of common interest."
Shaver noted the use of the TCC for university sports and convocation ceremonies is one example of how universities and cities can work together to strengthen the community and region around them. Another example is research activities, such as political science associate professor Terry Kading's work with the City on municipal planning, associate professor of geography Gilles Viaud's investigations of small cities, and the Regional Collaboration and Change Lab being created by the City, TRU and the United Way. When the City built a state-of-the-art water-treatment facility in 2005, TRU was included as a partner for research and training.
"Thompson Rivers University is home to a wealth of excellent teaching and knowledge creation; people who are keen to learn by asking the questions, and finding solutions to challenges we face in our society, including right here in our own city. This benefits us all," said Shaver.
Areas of possible collaboration between the City and TRU outlined in the MOU include: education programming to support local citizens; community-focused research; innovation and planning that lead to environmental, social, cultural, and economic sustainable development; land use planning including campus planning; and communications and engagement activities.
Important to the success of the agreement is the commitment of both parties, said Christian, with the MOU formalizing committee structures to review initiatives that advance the shared goals of the City, TRU and the broader Kamloops community.
"A strong and active relationship between a university and a city is a good thing for both the institution and the community. Partnerships will be a benefit to students, faculty, business and the residents of the greater Kamloops community," said Christian.
The newly-signed MOU remains in place indefinitely with a review to occur every five years.
