On Thursday, May 17, York University welcomed York Regional Council’s authorization of a $25-million contribution toward the new Markham Centre Campus. The University has approved the $253-million design and build budget with construction set to begin this fall. The new campus will include a collaboration with Seneca College, and is expected to open in fall 2021.
An artist’s concept drawing of York University’s new Markham Centre Campus
“York’s new campus will be an integral part of Markham’s city centre and an innovative education hub for students, families and businesses across the fast-growing York Region,” said York University’s President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton. “York Regional Council’s generous commitment brings us closer to realizing our shared vision for this new state-of-the-art campus. The Markham Centre Campus will support our goal of ensuring students have increased access to a high-quality, research-intensive university education in the region, and will enhance our local and global connectedness and impact.”
Located in Markham near the corner of Enterprise Boulevard and Rivis Road and the Markham Pan Am Centre, the Markham Centre Campus is already serviced by 15 transit routes and is anticipated to accommodate up to 10,000 students in future phases.
“York University’s Markham Centre Campus is a significant milestone for York Region’s academic and economic future,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “When complete, the new campus will play an essential role in our economic growth by attracting new residents and businesses. Our business sector will also benefit from the number of students available to the workforce for work placements and internships.”
Last year, the Ontario government committed $127.3 million toward the cost of the new campus, which will be built on approximately five acres of land contributed by the City of Markham. York is also raising funds for this important project from its alumni and friends as part of Impact – The Campaign for York University.