Trinity Western University is 鈥渋n a stable financial position with a healthy outlook for the future鈥� contrary to a report in newspaper, the university says.
A written statement by the 91原创-based university was issued in response to an article by reporter Kent Spencer that appeared in the Vancouver-based daily on Friday, Aug. 9.
TWU is 鈥渧ery concerned about the known inaccuracies in today鈥檚 article in The Province (Kent Spencer) and is currently reviewing its options,鈥� the statement said.
鈥淭he article ignored up-to-date information provided by the university to Mr. Spencer and instead relied on out of context quotes that are more than four years out of date.鈥�
The university is not 鈥渇inancially troubled,鈥� the TWU statement said.
While the university did face 鈥渟ome short-term fiscal challenges鈥� in late 2008 and early 2009, it said that was dealt with through a restructuring in 2009 and 2010.
鈥淭he university has a strong asset base and more than adequate cash reserves,鈥� the statement said.
In the last three years, TWU said it has invested millions in capital assets and infrastructure improvements,
Enrolment is steady, TWU said, and its annual income is more than $55 million.
鈥淢r. Spencer was given written assurances by Trinity Western that at no time had the university been in default regarding payment of any of its bills, including those to the Township of 91原创,鈥� the statement added.
鈥淕iven the information provided by the university to Mr. Spencer, we are surprised and disappointed that The Province newspaper would not be more careful to accurately and fairly report the verified facts provided to it.鈥�
The Trinity statement describes the institution as 鈥渁 Christian university of the arts, sciences, and professions, legislated by British Columbia to serve the public鈥� that 鈥渉as been developing leaders of character and competence for 50 years.鈥�
The story is one of a series involving Trinity in recent months. The university has been in the news as a result of a Township council decision to approve a university district for lands near the campus.
One area of the district is west of the campus across Glover Road. The second area is on a portion of the Wall farm on 72 Avenue. It is geographically separated from the university by the Salmon River and the Canadian Pacific Railway line.
Metro Vancouver is taking the Township to court over its approval of the university district.
