In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Vaughan, the city is leading a collaboration to transform an 82-acre parcel of land at Jane Street and Major Mackenzie Drive into the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed Oct. 2 between the City of Vaughan, York University, Mackenzie Health and ventureLAB to identify transformational opportunities to maximize the best use of lands surrounding the site of the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital through a feasibility study.
From left: Signing partners Melissa Chee, president and CEO, ventureLAB; Rhonda L. Lenton, president and vice-chancellor, York University; Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua; and Mark Falbo, Chair of the Board, Mackenzie Health
The feasibility study will determine how best to create a world-class health experience and explore various options, including a new space for ventureLAB to expand and create another regional innovation hub in Vaughan and opportunities for Mackenzie Health to collaborate with York University in the area of academic health sciences.
“York University is delighted to be part of this unique opportunity to explore how we can work with the City of Vaughan, Mackenzie Health, and ventureLAB to develop a world-class healthcare precinct in the centre of Vaughan,” said York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton.
“This initiative has the potential to increase the experiential learning opportunities available to students and to strengthen our ability to lead multi-sector, collaborative and community-engaged research projects that could improve the health and well-being of communities around the world,” said Lenton. “Health is one of York University’s fastest growing areas of study, research and community engagement. We have 10,000 students in health and health science programs and thousands more in related fields such as engineering, science, the environment, law, social science, business and the arts. We look forward to contributing our expertise to the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct feasibility study.”
The goal of this unique collaboration is for the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct to leverage resources to bring healthcare, innovation and jobs to this growing community. This site has the potential to be a place that will connect people and spaces and bring together different sectors to become an epicentre of healthcare excellence in the city.
Quick facts
- The purpose of the feasibility study is to bring together community partners to identify transformational opportunities to maximize the highest and best use of lands surrounding the site of the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital – which are known as the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct.
- The study will identify strategies to generate economic opportunities, research innovation, training and development and enhance the delivery of modern front-line healthcare for patients.
- Following the study, a comprehensive action plan that outlines opportunities, costs and strategies for unleashing the potential of the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct will be presented.
- The anticipated cost to complete the study is $210,000. The City of Vaughan is funding the study, approved by City Council as part of the 2019 Budget approval process.
- By fall 2019, a consultant will be retained to undertake the study. The successful consultant will be obtained through an open, competitive and accountable procurement process overseen by the City of Vaughan. The study is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2020.
To learn more, read the Partnership to Advance Economic Development Opportunities in the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct – Council Report (PDF).