York University campus slated for construction in Markham

Dailycommercialnews.com
June 1, 2015

The city of Markham is slated to be the home of a new York University - Markham Centre campus, the province has announced.

In partnership with the Regional Municipality of York, the City of Markham, and academic partner Seneca College, the campus will initially serve an estimated 4,000 students in York Region, with more expected over time, explains a release. And because it is a university/college partnership, a broad range of programs will be offered, with a focus on business, arts and social sciences.

The university will now work on the detailed planning and implementation phases of the project.
"We are delighted that Premier Wynne and the Ontario government have recognized the strong merits of building a York University campus in York Region," said Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor of York University, in a statement.

"This new campus in Markham Centre solidifies York's reputation as one of Canada's leading multi-campus universities, poised to meet the increasing demand for high-quality education and workplace-based learning opportunities, and well-positioned to spur economic growth in one of the fastest growing major urban areas in the province."

In March 2014, the province released a competitive call for proposals to postsecondary institutions for new projects in specific areas where demand for undergraduate education will be strong. The joint proposal from York University in partnership with Seneca College for a Markham campus was selected by an evaluation panel, the release reads.

"Enhancing the post-secondary and research presence in York Region is a strategic priority for us, and we look forward to this campus becoming a reality," said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson, in a statement. York Regional Council has committed up to $25 million toward the facility.

The new campus will be located in Markham Centre, in the area north of Highway 407 between Kennedy Road and Warden Avenue in York Region. It will be close to local transit options and other facilities such as sports fields, the YMCA and the Atos Markham Pan Am / Parapan Am Centre.

"The site will be an integral part of a developing urban centre that will provide many amenities to students," a release states. "As such, it leverages infrastructure investments already made by government and draws on private and public sector partnerships to optimize value."

On top of this recent decision, the province will also issue a second targeted call for proposals for a postsecondary facility to serve the demand for postsecondary options in Peel and Halton regions in spring 2016.

After York Region, Peel and Halton are the fastest-growing areas of the province and are currently underserved in terms of local postsecondary capacity, the province states.