Markham Centre’s new York University campus is a step closer to becoming reality. The Ontario government has made a $127.3-million funding commitment to the new campus, which will open in 2021.
“Our government is building the first university campus in York Region and bringing more postsecondary education opportunities to Markham,” said Deb Matthews, Ontario’s Deputy Premier, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, and Minister Responsible for Digital Government.
“A new campus will meet the growing needs of this quickly expanding population and will support Ontario’s highly skilled workforce of the future.”
Within a few years of opening, this new, 21st century campus – located in the vibrant and growing Markham Centre – will meet the rapidly growing demand for access to leading-edge post-secondary education in York Region, with capacity for up to 4,000 students that is expected to grow to 10,000 in future phases.
“This is a thrilling and transformative day for our community here in Markham,” said Michael Chan, MPP, Markham-Unionville. “Our government’s multi-million dollar investment in this beautiful new campus delivers on our commitment to expand post-secondary education options in high-growth locations and will offer thousands of students a broad range of programs from which to learn, experience, grow and prepare for the future, close to home.”
“We have been working in collaboration with York University to get the new campus built in Markham,” said City of Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “I applaud the Provincial government for their financial support making our dream a reality. This new campus will help build a vibrant cultural and academic hub within Markham and York Region. Markham is already home to Canada’s tech and life sciences leaders and this addition of a world class University will allow us to attract and retain some of brightest minds in the world, work with industry leaders on research and development, support and grow our local talent pool and provide opportunities for students to thrive in their local community.”
The new campus is being built on a five-acre site donated by the City of Markham, valued at $27 million in 2016. York Region is contributing $25 million to the project and York University is embarking on a special fundraising campaign to support it.
The Markham Centre campus will offer more than 20 degree programs. In addition, York is working with its academic partner Seneca College to offer several joint programs. The campus will partner with local businesses and industry to provide unique experiential learning opportunities for our students, and will form partnerships with the York Region community to design research programs that meet regional needs.