MARKHAM – Proposed jointly by Seneca College and York University in 2014, York Region’s first post-secondary campus is officially a go, having received official support from the provincial government’s Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
The City of Markham’s proposal to build the campus in Markham Centre – just steps from Downtown Markham and the brand-new Atos Markham Pan Am / Parapan Am Centre – was selected by York University and Seneca College as the winner of a competitive 2014 call for proposals that also drew proposals from Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Newmarket/Aurora.
In a recent interview with yFile, Reza Moridi, Ontario’s Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities, reaffirmed his reasons for supporting a new university campus in the heart of York Region.
“Demographic projections show that there will be a strong demand for postsecondary opportunities in [York Region] after the year 2020,” Moridi explained.
“This will be the first university campus in York Region providing, at reasonable cost, a local option for students – in an area that is experiencing strong population growth, but that is currently underserved.”
In the same article, yFile – the official online source for York University news – shared a few new details about the upcoming campus:
- Its initial phase will serve roughly 4,000 York Region students – with potential for adding additional capacity in the future.
- Aided by a commitment of $25 million from York Regional Council, the campus will offer a “wide range of degree programs, including diverse professional programs” and others offered jointly in partnership with Seneca.
- It may not be the only one coming to the GTA – Moridi said plans are already underway to launch a similar call for proposals in 2016, targeting the similarly underserved western regions of Peel and Halton.
On May 20, Moridi was joined by Markham mayor Frank Scarpitti, Regional Municipality of York chairman Wayne Emmerson, and York University president Mamdouh Shoukri to formally announce the government’s support at a location near the site.
“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,” Scarpitti said at the event.
“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.”
For complete details on the plan for York’s new Markham campus, we invite you to visit the university’s official project page at http://yestoyork.ca.
