OCAD University Case study

Counsel was retained by OCAD University to provide federal government relations and advocacy in support of their proposal to build a new Campus for the Connected World on Toronto’s waterfront. This project would create a new home for OCAD U’s digital design research, innovation and commercialization activity.

Working closely with OCAD U, Counsel helped to develop the proposal and pitch to federal government decision makers, and arranged meetings and tours with key federal ministers and officials. With the inclusion of the Strategic Infrastructure Fund focused on post-secondary institutions in Budget 2017, Counsel helped OCAD U to adapt their proposal to the program timelines, by splitting the project into two phases.

In fall 2016, the federal government announced funding support for Phase One of the Campus for the Connected World, which will be co-located next to Artscape Launchpad in the Daniels City of the Arts. Counsel continues to work with OCAD U to advocate for Phase Two of the project.