Academic programs will contribute to knowledge economy and global innovation

MARKHAM, May 20, 2015 – York University applauds the Government of Ontario’s investment in the new York University-Markham Centre campus, located in an area of the province with a high level demand for post-secondary education. This new York U campus enjoys strong support from its partners: The Regional Municipality of York, The City of Markham and their academic partner Seneca College, which will partner with York on several joint programs.

“We are delighted that Premier Wynne and the Ontario government have recognized the strong merits of building a York University campus in York Region. We are particularly pleased with this recognition of York’s considerable strengths as a driver of Ontario’s knowledge economy and its position as a global innovation leader,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, President and Vice-Chancellor of York University. “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.”

The University will now work on the detailed planning and implementation phases. The new campus will accommodate 4,000 students in the initial phase, after which implementation can be adjusted as appropriate to meet demand for years to come as part of a long-term strategy.

“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, as York Regional Council has committed up to $25 million toward the facility.

The new campus will be located in the City of Markham’s Markham Centre, providing easy access to transit, major employers, research centres and the Markham Pan Am Centre.  The site will be an integral part of a developing urban centre that will provide many amenities to students.  As such, it leverages infrastructure investments already made by government and draws on private and public sector partnerships to optimize value.

“We are thrilled with the announcement of the first York University campus in Markham and York Region, which further strengthens the opportunities for students to thrive in their local community,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti.  “Premier Wynne’s Government is to be congratulated for this commitment to higher education which builds on the recent announcement of the GO line improvements to Markham Centre that will see 15-minute rail service. This is a great example of a shared vision and collaboration from the Region of York, Province of Ontario and York University.”

A wide range of degree programs including diverse professional programs will be offered at the campus, as well as joint programs with Seneca College to encourage learning, research and innovation at all levels.

"Seneca has enjoyed a strong relationship with York University, including a joint campus in Toronto, for more than 15 years," said Seneca President David Agnew. "More students move between our two institutions than any other college and university in Ontario and our academic collaboration on the new campus in Markham will allow us to provide even more joint programming and pathway options for students."

York U will work closely with the significant economic clusters already present in York Region – including information and communication technology, life sciences and healthcare technologies, financial and insurance services, and clean technology − to provide students workplace-based learning opportunities while they study and excellent local job prospects when they graduate. A full suite of student services will be provided on site supporting and contributing to the academic success of some of the brightest, most ambitious minds that will shape the future.

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York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York U is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York U’s 11 faculties and 25 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 280 leading universities worldwide. York U’s community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 275,000 alumni.
Media Contact: Joanne Rider, York University Media Relations, 416-736-5593, jrider@yorku.ca