A York U in York Region

Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Markham shortlisted for campus

Postcity.com
May 1, 2014
By Bree Rody-Mantha

The Government of Ontario recently issued a request for proposals from municipalities in York Region to play host to a satellite campus for York University. On April 25, Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan were the three communities shortlisted, beating out Aurora, Newmarket and East Gwillimbury (King withdrew its bid).

“The potential for a new York University campus in York Region is one more significant development in the university’s overall York Region strategy to forge strong connections between the university ... and all of our surrounding municipalities,” said York U president and vice-chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri.

Although Town of Richmond Hill chief administrative officer Joan Anderton said the town would be marketing itself based on the infrastructure it already has, a press release issued by the town boasts some features that were not yet guaranteed - such as the long-anticipated Yonge Street subway.

“With the planned extension of the Yonge Street subway ... the community is well-poised to meet the demands of students needing multi-modal transportation options,” it states.

Anderton doesn’t think this creates a problem. “The province has already invested tons of money in transit for Richmond Hill beyond the subway ... the timing of the subway is a bonus.”

Mayor Dave Barrow agreed the campus would likely bring even more infrastructure and growth opportunities. “Having a university campus within our borders will stimulate growth and economic development,” said Barrow. The town has stayed mum on potential locations of the university, choosing to wait before revealing its choices to the public. “We’ve put forward two locations for their consideration, but all of that consideration was considered confidential,” said Anderton.

Regardless of who gets the bid, Anderton said the region will be grateful: “No matter where the campus is located in the region, it brings a vibrancy to the community.”