91��ɫ

The following statement was issued on Monday, June 23:

Mamdouh Shoukri

91��ɫ in collaboration with Seneca College announced Monday, June 23 that, after a competitive process, Markham Centre has been selected as the preferred location in its bid to build a new university campus in 91��ɫ Region.

This decision means that 91��ɫ’s process now enters the final stage to prepare a bid submission to the Ontario government in September. The government has issued a call for proposals to increase student capacity in areas of growing demand for postsecondary education.

“This site will allow us to serve the growing number of students in 91��ɫ Region,” said 91��ɫ President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. “It is located in the heart of a vibrant new urban centre, close to Ontario’s ‘Big Move’ transit investments, and adjacent to the Markham Pan Am Centre and other amenities for students. We look forward to working with 91��ɫ Region and the City of Markham to develop an outstanding proposal.”

91��ɫ Region is one of Ontario’s fastest-growing major urban areas, with a current population of more than 1.1 million that is expected to grow to 1.5 million by 2031. 91��ɫ Region is the only municipality of its size in North America with no university campus.

Within five years of opening, 91��ɫ aims to have 5,000 students in 91��ɫ Region. Within 20 years, the campus can be expected to grow to 10,000-20,000 students. 91��ɫ will offer its own programs and will partner with Seneca College to make an even broader range of programs available to students.

“91��ɫ has always been 91��ɫ Region’s university. More students from 91��ɫ Region choose to attend 91��ɫ than any other university. We are thrilled with the opportunity in Markham Centre and it is just the beginning of our plan to be in more locations across the region over time,” said Shoukri.

91��ɫ and Seneca College initially heard proposals from six 91��ɫ Region municipalities: East Gwillimbury, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and a joint proposal from Aurora and Newmarket. Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan were then asked to participate in more detailed conversations.

“These municipalities made extraordinary efforts to showcase their capabilities and commitment,” said Shoukri. “People in these municipalities should know that they have been well represented by their mayors and senior staff in this process.”

“Every potential partner in 91��ɫ Region made an excellent case for an expanded postsecondary presence,” said Seneca College President David Agnew. “We are delighted to be working in a strong partnership with 91��ɫ, 91��ɫ Region and the City of Markham to expand access for today’s and tomorrow’s students.”

“A fair evaluation process, open to all 91��ɫ Region municipalities, has been critical for us to select the one most aligned with 91��ɫ’s vision for a new and innovative university campus in 91��ɫ Region,” added Shoukri. Each municipality was evaluated based on its ability to demonstrate alignment with a set of core principles.

“It is both exciting and satisfying to know 91��ɫ is working with the Regional Municipality of 91��ɫ to establish a university campus in the city of Markham,” said 91��ɫ Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. “91��ɫ Regional Council is firmly behind this bid, as postsecondary education expansion is a primary goal of the Economic Development Action Plan approved by our council. 91��ɫ Region is a destination of choice, and a new university campus will create educational opportunities for students, plus significant economic benefits across our entire region.”

“We are excited to be pursuing this opportunity,” concluded Shoukri. “The potential for a new 91��ɫ campus in 91��ɫ Region is a significant development forward in our overall 91��ɫ Region strategy to forge connections between the University, Seneca College and all municipalities.”

Once bids are submitted to the province, a multi-ministry panel will review the applications and make final recommendations to cabinet through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Cabinet will make the final decision about successful proposals.