Abdeali Saherwala | Staff Writer
Featured image: York’s Markham Centre Campus will offer more than 20 degree programs to about 4,200 students, and will also offer joint programs with Seneca. | Emilie Miranda
On November 29, 2017, York announced the approval of a brand-new campus in Markham, reported to cost $253 million. The construction will begin by the end of 2018, and is projected to be operational by September 2021.
“The preliminary design process followed extensive consultation and workshops to gather information regarding planned courses, requirements for teaching and learning spaces, and also reflects what students said in a university-wide survey about what they value in terms of common space. The university continues to consult in order to support the final design, including accessibility,” says Janice Walls of York Media.
York’s Markham Centre Campus will offer more than 20 degree programs to about 4,200 students, and will also offer joint programs with Seneca. The new campus will partner with local businesses and industries to provide experiential learning opportunities while contributing to the region’s economic clusters.
Initial designs for this campus were created by Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc. and will include a variety of architectural features, such as a four-storey podium with double-height glazing, which will maximize light penetration into the building.
“The preliminary design for the Markham Centre Campus features a large, landscaped campus commons area and a 10-story building, located at the southeast corner of Enterprise Boulevard and Rivis Road, in Markham,” says Walls.
The City of Markham has approved site plans and building permits in order to allow the construction of the campus. The City believes York’s campus will foster academic and economic growth.
“The University has worked closely with the Markham Board of Trade to provide opportunity for students. Markham is the high-tech capital of Canada, and Markham 2020, the City’s strategic economic plan, includes an objective to attract postsecondary education to Markham to foster economic development and growth,” says Lama Nicolas, a senior communications advisor officer for the mayor of Markham.
The City of Markham is confident its current infrastructure in the surrounding area will accommodate the demands and increased population density created by York’s Markham campus.
“The city has all the infrastructure in place, including the Pan Am Centre; students will have access to this state-of-the-art facility, leveraging existing infrastructure such as the Cineplex theatre for lectures, the Hilton hotel ballroom for exams, and the YMCA,” adds Nicolas.
“The campus will be easily accessible with All Day Go Train service to Unionville, as well as VIVA bus service. The new campus will be located just a short walk from shops, restaurants, and Rouge Park. The University is also working with developers in Markham towards opportunities for student housing.”
The Province of Ontario is committing $127.3 million, York is contributing $45 million, and York Region $25 million for its construction. Additionally, Markham is donating five acres of land needed for the campus.
Once its operation begins, York’s Markham campus will host 1,000 students per year, and by 2024, it is predicted to hold up to 4,200.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with York University and joining forces to excel in a knowledge-based economy, while building on Markham’s stellar reputation for having a highly educated, skilled, and diverse workforce; which is exactly what global investors are looking for. The new campus positions Markham as the preeminent place to live and learn,” adds Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti.
Updates about the design, cost, and progress for the Markham Centre Campus’ construction are expected to be revealed by the end of 2018.
