Niagara University expands south of Bradford

The new campus offering teacher training, education and opportunities from its new location in the heart of Vaughan's emerging downtown core

BradfordToday.ca
Jan 23, 2019

VAUGHAN - This marks a historic day for the citizens of our community as classes begin at Niagara University's modern new site located in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC).

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua formally welcomed students, professors and members of the administration on the first day of studies at the university's new location, adding that he has "proudly delivered on a transformational city-building commitment to bring the first ever university to the city of Vaughan."

"It has been my dream to bring a university to Vaughan. With focus, discipline and excellent partners, this dream has come true. Today is the manifestation of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and perseverance. It is a great day for our city and Niagara University as we take steps to take charge of our future," Mayor Bevilacqua added.

"Building a complete city means having a post-secondary institution in an urban setting, walking distance from homes, businesses and amenities and connected by regionally integrated transit," he said.
Founded in 1856, Niagara University, with its main campus located in Lewiston, N.Y., has relocated its bi-national presence with this new site in Vaughan. Mayor Bevilacqua helped lead negotiations between the university and community leaders. The site is in the heart of the city's emerging downtown core, located in the Cortel Group's Expo City complex.

The 12,000-square-foot addition includes seven classrooms, faculty and administration offices and student lounge areas. Niagara University's Vaughan site is walking distance from the VMC TTC subway station and further connected by vivaNext bus rapid transit service.

Students studying in Vaughan can enrol in either the bachelor of professional studies in education or the master of science in education programs. These programs are fully accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and prepare aspiring professionals for careers in primary-junior and intermediate-senior teacher positions, among other education-related employment opportunities. Programs at this site operate under the written consent of the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

The new Vaughan site is home to Niagara University in Ontario, which has been offering outstanding teacher training, education and opportunities to Canadian students since 1984. This move will see its more than 300 students, in addition to faculty and administrative staff currently in two other locations, relocate to Vaughan. Niagara University, Vaughan's first university, has an extensive and proud history in Ontario.

"On behalf of the students, staff and faculty of Niagara University, I am excited to expand our Niagara University in Ontario program here to the city of Vaughan, as we work within this community to mentor a new generation of compassionate, dedicated and successful graduates into the workplace," said Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Niagara University president.

"For 35 years, Niagara University faculty and staff have prepared students for personal and professional success as teachers and educational leaders, guided by our Vincentian mission and values. I want to personally thank Mayor Bevilacqua for his genuine enthusiasm, vision, commitment and advocacy to bring people and organizations together to make the arrival of Niagara University here to Vaughan a reality."

"Niagara University is vested in the creation of the school's new VMC site. The VMC is the largest and most ambitious project in the city's history and its downtown is a natural place for Niagara University to be located," Mayor Bevilacqua said.

The Vaughan Centre PwC Tower, Transit City, The MET and the KPMG Tower are among some of the many other developments shaping Vaughan's rapidly growing skyline.