York University is inviting organizations to join its Diverse Vendor or Social Enterprise supplier network to provide goods and services for the construction of the new Markham Centre Campus, slated to begin this summer.
As an anchor institution, York is committed to providing vendor and employment opportunities for this project, and aims to create a positive change in the community that will reduce poverty, promote economic and social inclusion, and support local economic development and social enterprise.
In January 2020, York University was one of Canada’s first universities to establish a comprehensive Social Procurement Policy. The policy considers how procurement, which is the process of buying goods and services, can positively impact the well-being of our surrounding communities. It aims to remove barriers by fostering inclusive economic growth.
“The University’s Social Procurement Policy is underpinned by its pillars of accessibility, connectedness, excellence and impact, and reflects its values of equity, inclusivity and social justice, values which have propelled the University forward for more than 60 years,” said Procurement Services Director Dexter King.
York University announced on July 24 it will move forward with the construction of the Markham Centre Campus to meet York Region’s education, research and innovation needs. The site for the new campus is near the corner of Enterprise Boulevard and Rivis Road in Markham.
Markham Centre Campus, York University
The first phase of the project, from summer 2020 to summer 2023, will involve the construction of a 10-storey, 400,000 square-foot campus, which will increase access to high-quality, research-intensive and inclusive learning experiences for approximately 4,200 students.
Services for this project include but are not limited to:
- skilled construction labour
- unskilled construction labour
- building material supply
- safety equipment supply
- equipment rentals
- printing services
- catering services
- cleaning services
Organizations that would like learn more about becoming a diverse vendor or social enterprise so that it can be a part of this exciting project should visit York’s webpage on “Registering as a Diverse Vendor or Social Enterprise.”
To learn more about York’s Social Procurement Policy or about getting certified please visit York’s procurement services website.
When completed, Markham Centre Campus will offer programs focused on technology and entrepreneurship. Undergraduate degrees and certificates will be complemented by professional, course-based master's degree options. Shorter credentials will be offered to those engaged in life-long learning and reskilling, all in an effort to fuel economic competitiveness in Markham, York Region and throughout Ontario.