From the nineteenth century model of the university as a “town and gown” enclave to the twenty first century idea of the institution as a place of urban innovation, the relationship of the university to the city has changed and evolved. The residents of the 2013 CCA Master’s Students Program contend that the unprecedented expansion of Montreal’s universities through mega-projects, which are often framed within the boundaries of “urban renewal” and “economic revitalization”, is significantly shaping the form and function of the city. Private partnerships are often pursued due to financial necessity and the complexity of mega-projects. For private actors, these mega-projects are a vehicle to access public funds with associated financial incentives. When the university takes on the role of developer it creates tensions between market success and public benefits.

Nicolas Barrette
University of Toronto, Canada

Tings Chak
University of Toronto, Canada

Daniel Nedecki
McGill University, Canada