York U. applauds nod to Markham campus in provincial budget

yorkregion.com
Feb. 26, 2016

York University was giving the province’s budget an A+ this week not just for a pledge to help students with costs but thanks to a specific reference to the construction of a new campus for the university in York Region.

 While much attention was paid to plans for granting free tuition to students of moderate income families, York U. noted that the government reiterated its commitment to providing students with access to high-quality programs closer to home.

 Part of their commitment includes the building of a new York University campus in Markham Centre as part of their Major Capacity Expansion Policy Framework, the university stated in a media release.

 York Region is one of the fastest-growing major urban areas in Canada and is at the heart of Ontario’s knowledge economy, the university said.

 The new York University Markham Centre campus will help to address increasing demand. Nearly 60 per cent of young people in York Region go on to attend university and with this new campus, they will be able to fulfill their academic aspirations closer to home.

 York University president and vice-chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri applauded the government for its commitment to improving access to post-secondary education.

“Today’s budget is a strong signal that the Ontario government recognizes the importance of investing in post-secondary education, enhancing accessibility, and supporting students,” said Shoukri. “We are pleased that the Ontario government has recognized the real merits of building a York University campus in York Region, and we look forward to starting work on building our new campus in Markham Centre in the near future.”

Expected to open in 2020-21, the campus will offer a diverse range of professionally relevant programs designed to meet the needs of the region.

“The new York University campus to be located in Markham Centre will help to create a vibrant cultural and academic hub within Markham for York Region,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We’re grateful to Premier Wynne and the Ontario government for their support and commitment to this important initiative. This campus is a positive step towards bringing much needed post-secondary education to the residents of York Region.”

Quick Facts

• 67 per cent of York students receive financial assistance through OSAP.
• More than $25 million was provided to York students in scholarships and bursaries in fiscal 2014-15.
• On May 19, 2015, Ontario announced they had selected the York University Markham Centre campus proposal.