A downtown college campus is my number-one project. Education is the foundation of economic development. Studies of college towns show the closer a campus is to downtown, the more likely students are to find employment opportunities with local businesses. They are then more inclined to stay in the community once their education is complete, and the more vibrant and dynamic that community’s downtown core is, the healthier it is. Beyond the educational opportunities, downtown campuses galvanize downtown activity, supporting growth and complementary activities, such as a performing arts centre and enhanced sports and recreation programming.