As construction of York University’s Markham Campus continues, the City of Markham is making sure the new school feels right at home by unveiling University Boulevard.
“University Boulevard will complement the university’s beautifully-designed Markham Campus and reinforce Markham’s position as a hub for talent and a highly-educated workforce,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti.
York University selected Markham Centre as the site of the 10-storey campus with the support of the provincial government and York Region in 2015. Markham Centre offers access to the Unionville GO station, Pan Am Sports Centre, YSpace’s business accelerator space, company offices, mixed commercial, retail and entertainment amenities.
“We look forward to welcoming our first cohort of students in Fall 2023, and providing the next generation of learners with relevant, job-ready academic programming and research opportunities focused on creative technologies, entrepreneurship and innovation management, digital technologies, new media and communications, financial technologies, and computer science and software development,” says University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton.
Markham donated a parcel of land at Enterprise Boulevard and University Boulevard (formerly Rivis Road) worth more than $50 million towards the $275.5-million campus. York Region committed $25 million toward the project, which the City says will generate 2,000 jobs and $350 million in immediate economic benefits.
The campus will also help foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Markham and York Region while also attracting more skilled, diverse talent to study, work and settle here. It will open to 4,200 students in Phase 1 and will eventually be able to accommodate up to 10,000 students.
Local industries will help facilitate experiential learning and equip graduates with relevant skills, so they can hit the ground running when they enter the labour market.
Photo: Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, York University mascot Yeo the Lion, and York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton at the unveiling of University Boulevard on October 15.
