No money for Markham

Excel.on.ca
Nov. 1, 2018
Anna Voskuil

As of October 23, Premier Doug Ford’s government announced that they would be cancelling funding towards the development of three planned campuses in Ontario, one being York and Seneca’s joint project, the Markham Centre Campus.

Approved in 2015 under former Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government, the province had previously agreed to contribute approximately $127 million towards this initiative.

Altogether, the Markham Centre Campus is an estimated $252 million project, with land donated by the City of Markham, and $25 million contributed from York Region.

However, since Ford’s government has been in power, their reasoning behind this budget cut is part of maintaining their financial responsibility.

In a statement, Ontario Training, Colleges and Universities Minister, Merrilee Fullerton, said: “We promised the people of Ontario to restore accountability and trust in Ontario’s finances. Part of that process means making tough decisions about projects across Ontario.”

Following this decision, all institutions affected—York-Seneca, Laurier, and Ryerson—have since expressed “deep disappointment” in regards to how they will be impacted.

A statement by the City of Markham’s mayor, Frank Scarpitti, said: “On behalf of the City of Markham, I would like to express our deep disappointment upon hearing the provincial government’s announcement to cancel funding for York’s Markham Centre Campus.”

According to a joint statement by Seneca President David Agnew, and York President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton: “Given our combined view of the importance of this campus for the economic future of the Region and for the students who are seeking access to new higher education options close to home, we are committed to working with all involved to determine if there is a path forward that will still meet the post-secondary education needs of York Region and its residents.”

On October 27, all partners involved in the Markham Campus project—York, Seneca, the City of Markham, and York Region—met to address the concern of this recent funding cut, and how the project’s plans will be altered moving forward.

“Earlier today, the main Markham Centre Campus partners met in Markham to begin a more detailed discussion about the $252 million shovel-ready project,” said a statement released October 27 by Agnew, Lenton, Scarpitti, and Regional Municipality of York Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson

“We remain equally committed to this vitally important project and to working together as we explore all possible options to build the campus.”

“In the coming weeks, we will be reviewing other means to advance our plans, including any adjustments that may be needed regarding the timeline and taking into consideration the fiscal constraints of the province,” the statement continues.

As well, York has also been working with the province to ensure the campus will open by the autumn 2021 goal.

Despite the financial setback, administration still hopes this can be achieved, as alternative project decisions are being discussed.

“We still remain incredibly committed to this project,” said Lenton.