Operation will be part of University’s sustainability framework
At a recent press conference, University of Guelph President Franco Frackarino presented an ambitious new project to begin extracting oil from below the McLaughlin Library over a 10-year period.
Following exploratory drilling performed over the February 2019 reading week, an estimated 45 million barrels worth of oil have been discovered underneath the University, the bulk of which is located directly below McLaughlin Library.
The library will be temporarily closed and dismantled for the oil extraction process, beginning in September 2019 and ending in late 2029. Johnston Green will also close for operations and be renamed to Johnston Black.
President Frackarino claims the plan will complement the University’s goals to increase climate action on campus.
“This project will help us become energy independent,” Frackarino told The Contrarion. “And, all extraction machinery will run on renewable energy. We want to send the message that business is booming at the University of Guelph.”
The announcement is one of several made this semester to bolster the University’s commitments to sustainability. For instance, in January the Board of Governors passed a visionary motion to divest a total of zero dollars from the fossil fuel industry. The remaining $38 million will continue to be invested in the industry.
The extraction project has sparked immediate controversy within the university community, especially among students. Many revere the McLaughlin Library as an important and historical part of student culture, even considering it as home. Students argue they were not consulted at all during the decision-making process and did not provide prior, informed consent for the project.
Frackarino declined to comment on allegations that consent was not given, instead reaffirming the U of G’s commitment to improving life and honouring students’ rights.
But student culture isn’t the only area raising concern. Global authorities on climate change say that humanity has a 2030 deadline to address catastrophic climate change, and critics say the U of G’s new plan is a step backwards.
Don Oil’eary, U of G VP Finance and Risk, disagrees.
“So we’ve got 11 years to stop climate change. That’s why our extraction plan is only 10 years long. We can boost our profits and still have a whole entire year to prevent catastrophe,” said Oil’eary earlier this week in an interview with The Contrarion.
Even so, student groups claim that the new plan clashes with the institution’s green image. President Frackarino replied, “Climate change is not a binary issue, and as an institution, we’re taking a holistic stance. Just look at our investments!”
With the fate of McLaughlin Library in limbo, Frackarino reassured students early this week that there is nothing to be concerned for. “We are making Guelph green again!”
Photos edited by Alora Griffiths/The Ontarion
This article seems entirely fake, unrealistic and exaggerates many statements. Closing the library for 10 years for oil? This seems extremely fake and obviously is against student values. No sources to back up the claims. I doubt the president would be able to make this decision by himself. This should be taken down
Hi Kevin,
This is a satirical article that is part of our Contrarion issue. Please note that in addition to the things you pointed out, that isn’t even the President’s real name. Thanks for reading.