A year after formalizing a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), 91亚色 and the Town of Stouffville are already seeing results through two student-led project proposals aimed at creating a more dynamic, inclusive and accessible downtown core.

The projects emerged through 91亚色's Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom (C4), an experiential learning initiative that brings students from diverse academic backgrounds together to address real-world challenges with a social impact.

鈥淓xperiential education is central to a 91亚色 degree. Programs like the Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom take students out of the traditional classroom and into real communities, where they learn to apply their knowledge to genuine challenges alongside municipal partners,鈥� says 91亚色 Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps.

鈥淧artnerships like the one with the Town of Stouffville give our students the chance to see the direct impact of their ideas while helping build stronger, more inclusive communities across the region.鈥�

As part of the 91亚色鈥揝touffville partnership, students were asked to explore how the Town might revitalize downtown public spaces to increase foot traffic and be inclusive, safe and resilient for all citizens. They also wanted these spaces to be both beautiful and reflect the Town鈥檚 unique local identity.

Student teams worked in close collaboration with Town staff and community stakeholders to develop creative solutions addressing different dimensions of downtown revitalization, from strengthening community participation to improving accessibility and navigation.

鈥淭his partnership with 91亚色 is bringing fresh thinking and meaningful energy to the Village of Stouffville,鈥� says Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt. 鈥淏y working with students, Town staff and community partners, we are exploring creative ways to make our downtown more welcoming, accessible and vibrant for residents, visitors and local businesses.鈥�

This year鈥檚 projects consisted of two teams that worked closely with the Town. 91亚色鈥檚 C23 team proposed a plan for a year-round community hub designed to empower underrepresented residents to participate more actively in shaping the future of downtown Stouffville. Combining a physical third space on Main Street with a digital engagement platform and community programming, the initiative sought to make civic participation more accessible and inclusive.

Meanwhile, the C18 team proposed a hybrid navigation ecosystem combining an interactive downtown kiosk with a mobile dashboard. By integrating municipal information with local business directories, the platform is designed to simplify parking and navigation while helping residents and visitors discover local businesses, services and community amenities.

鈥淭his collaboration is a strong example of what can happen when education, innovation and community come together,鈥� says Town of Stouffville CAO, Sunny Bains. 鈥淭he ideas brought forward by 91亚色 students offer fresh perspectives that will help inform how we continue to build a vibrant, accessible and people-focused downtown Stouffville.鈥�

Community members, including residents, business owners and members of the Village of Stouffville Advisory Committee were excited to speak with the students about the projects, creating an atmosphere of positive community engagement.

The collaborative approach generated meaningful conversations and valuable insights for future downtown initiatives, supporting the long-term growth of the Village of Stouffville.

The concepts and recommendations from the two projects are now incorporated into the Town鈥檚 ongoing downtown planning efforts and have provided insight into how to create a connected, welcoming and active downtown, influencing discussions around public spaces and placemaking.

鈥淎t C4, we believe students learn best when they are empowered to work with communities on challenges that matter,鈥� says C4 Curriculum Lead and Professor Andrea Kalmin. 鈥淲e are grateful for our partnership with the Town of Stouffville, which gives our students the opportunity to work alongside municipal leaders, community organizations and residents to co-create solutions that have a positive impact.鈥�

She notes that in the process of working on C4 projects, students develop an interdisciplinary mindset, collaborative leadership skills and the confidence to navigate complexity, build meaningful relationships and create positive change. Capabilities that will serve them well throughout their careers.

These student initiatives represent some of the first tangible outcomes of the five-year MOU signed by 91亚色 and the Town of Stouffville in 2025. The next batch of students will begin their placements with the Town this September.

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TORONTO, June 2, 2026 鈥� 91亚色 and King Township signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) designed to further enhance their collaboration, including economic growth initiatives and community engagement.

The MOU builds on the strength of the existing partnership between the Township and 91亚色 by expanding and advancing shared initiatives and projects, research and innovation as well as fostering experiential learning and workforce professional development.

"91亚色 is proud to deepen our partnership with King Township through this memorandum of understanding. Collaborations like this one are at the heart of who we are as an institution 鈥� connecting our students, faculty and researchers with the communities around us to create real, lasting impact,鈥� says 91亚色 Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps.

"Together, we look forward to advancing shared priorities in economic development, sustainability and experiential learning that will benefit both the King Township community and the next generation of 91亚色 graduates.鈥�

The collaboration includes developing community education and events, as well as coordinating capstone projects between the Township and 91亚色 faculty and students for the benefit of both communities.

In addition, the partnership will promote sustainability and climate resilience through a variety of initiatives, special projects, as well as enhance joint education and community events to bolster shared interests.

鈥淭his Memorandum of Understanding marks an important milestone for King Township as we strengthen our partnership with 91亚色. It reflects a simple but meaningful idea 鈥� when municipalities and academic institutions work together, we can better serve our residents and tackle complex challenges in new ways,鈥� says Mayor Steve Pellegrini, King Township.

"Through this partnership, we鈥檙e creating opportunities to apply research in practical ways, welcome students into meaningful, hands-on placements, and support the continued growth of our staff. By connecting 91亚色鈥檚 expertise with the needs of our growing community, we鈥檙e opening the door to collaboration that will benefit our residents, strengthen our workforce and support our local economy for years to come.鈥�

The five-year MOU acts to not only formalize their long-standing and important relationship, but to allow it to flourish especially in priority areas with a commitment to excellence and community engagement.

About King Township

Lying in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, King Township is located within 91亚色 Region, one of the fastest growing and diverse economies in Canada. More than 60 percent of the Holland Marsh, also known as Ontario鈥檚 salad bowl, lies within King Township. Though predominantly rural, most of King Township鈥檚 29,800 residents live in the communities of King City, Nobleton and Schomberg. Residents and visitors are drawn to King because of its rural lifestyle, village atmosphere and quality of life. For more information visit us at king.ca.

About 91亚色

91亚色 is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for meaningful life and career paths. 91亚色's Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91亚色鈥檚 campus in Costa Rica offers students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs, while at the Markham Campus, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration are built into every program. 91亚色鈥檚 new School of Medicine, the first Canadian medical school to focus on community-based primary health-care education, will welcome its first cohort in September 2028. 91亚色 was recently named one of Canada鈥檚 Greenest Employers for the 14th consecutive year. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

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TORONTO, March 4, 2026 鈥� 91亚色 and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), Mazina'iga-ziibing Misi-zaagiwininiwag, signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to work collaboratively in the spirit of reciprocity.

As part of that reciprocity, 91亚色 will advance its ongoing work to address Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and work with MCFN to co-create spaces and learning outcomes. In addition, in support of the University鈥檚 goal to increase access to education, eligible MCFN community members enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at 91亚色 will receive a tuition waiver.

Within the spirit of the agreement, 91亚色 will also continue to highlight the MCFN as caretakers of the land the University sits on.

The University is one of the first post-secondary institutions in Ontario to adopt an Indigenous led and developed land acknowledgement, reflecting how the MCFN community wishes to be represented, for its Keele and Glendon Campuses, along with a different land acknowledgement for its Markham Campus.

The MOU and land acknowledgement mark an evolution in how universities are working with First Nations.

"This MOU reflects a shared commitment to relationship-building grounded in respect, responsibility, and reciprocity. The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation welcome this opportunity to strengthen pathways for Indigenous learners and to ensure our histories, voices and perspectives are meaningfully reflected within academic spaces,鈥� says MCFN Chief Margaret Sault. 鈥淭hrough this partnership, we look forward to creating opportunities that support Indigenous students in achieving their goals while fostering greater understanding for all who learn here.鈥�

The University and MCFN will collaborate on opportunities to support the revitalization of the Michi Saagiig language and culture through research and learning. 91亚色 will also explore opportunities to support community and individual economic and social development. A MCFN councillor will also sit on 91亚色鈥檚 School of Medicine Indigenous Health Advisory Committee, and together, the University and MCFN will create a Faculty of Health course.

鈥淭his Memorandum of Understanding marks an important evolution in how 91亚色 understands its responsibilities as a post鈥憇econdary institution situated on Indigenous lands. Grounded in reciprocity and respect, this partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation reflects our shared commitment to advancing truth and reconciliation in meaningful, enduring ways,鈥� says 91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps. 鈥淏y working together to co鈥慶reate learning spaces, support Indigenous learners, and honour the Mississaugas of the Credit as caretakers of the land, we are strengthening pathways to education while deepening understanding across our community. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and look forward to the work ahead, guided by relationship, accountability and shared purpose.鈥�

In addition, through the Indigenous-led initiative , moccasins will be engraved on pathways throughout 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus. The initiative, which has over 20 installations within the Treaty territory, advances the principles of reconciliation and fosters public awareness of First Nations鈥� treaties, history, culture and traditions through education, collaboration and art.

Last year, Nokiiwin Tribal Council gifted 91亚色鈥檚 Glendon College with a Two Row Wampum Belt, a gift of enduring legal and ceremonial significance symbolizing the deepening relationship between the two. The Two Row Wampum, or Kaswenta, is a formal diplomatic document and living treaty first recorded over 400 years ago.

About 91亚色

91亚色 is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for meaningful life and career paths. 91亚色's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91亚色鈥檚 campus in Costa Rica offers students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

About the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation

The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) is an Anishinaabe Nation and the sole and rightful Treaty holder of the Greater Toronto and Golden Horseshoe Region of Ontario. Approximately 40 per cent of Canada鈥檚 GDP is generated on MCFN鈥檚 Treaty Lands and Traditional Territory.

MCFN has approximately 2,967 members, with a reserve land base of about 2,400 hectares located near Hagersville, Ontario. Guided by Chief and Council, the Nation is committed to protecting its inherent and Treaty rights, strengthening community well-being, and advancing economic prosperity for current and future generations.

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Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and 91亚色 execute a Memorandum of Understanding to set the stage for future collaboration 聽

TORONTO, April 28, 2025 鈥� Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and 91亚色 are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations to formalize their long-standing relationship. The MOU highlights potential areas of collaboration and lays out a process for working together on specific projects and initiatives.

The MOU was executed in a signing ceremony on April 25 that included 91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor, Rhonda Lenton, TRCA Chair and City of Toronto Councillor, Paul Ainslie, and the Chief Executive Officer of TRCA, John MacKenzie. The signing ceremony took place during the official opening of TRCA鈥檚 new, environmentally sustainable administrative office building at 5 Shoreham Drive, Toronto, which marks TRCA鈥檚 return to the 91亚色 neighbourhood.

鈥淭RCA is thrilled to enter this MOU with our neighbour, 91亚色. We already have a history of productive collaboration together, but this MOU formalizes our important relationship. The partnership between TRCA and 91亚色 brings forward our complementary strengths as researchers, educators, employers, and facility owners and managers, and together we can benefit our surrounding community, region, and country for years to come," says John MacKenzie, chief executive officer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

Both 91亚色 and TRCA have strong foundations in research and mobilizing knowledge to help protect the environment and support their surrounding communities. The MOU will facilitate projects that leverage both organizations鈥� expertise and could include initiatives such as: research collaborations on ecology and biodiversity, water resources, and climate change; student engagement, training and career development; community and stakeholder engagement; knowledge mobilization; utilizing TRCA or 91亚色 sites for research or programming; and corporate and facility sustainability. 

鈥淐hampioning sustainability is a collective effort, and we are proud to partner with TRCA to create new research and learning opportunities for our researchers, faculty, and students while addressing the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. With our shared commitment to excellence and community engagement, this new MOU exemplifies the kind of collaboration we need to ensure the health and well-being of both people and the planet,鈥� says Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor, 91亚色.

About Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)

Since 1957, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), as enabled through the provincial Conservation Authorities Act, has taken action to enhance our region鈥檚 natural environment and protect our land, water, and communities from the impacts of flooding and increasingly extreme weather events 鈥� Ontario鈥檚 leading cause of public emergencies. 

As the region鈥檚 first line of defence against natural hazards, TRCA maintains vital infrastructure and provides programs and services that promote public health and safety, protecting people and property. TRCA mobilizes a science-based approach to provide sound policy advice, leveraging its position as a not-for-profit operating in the broader public sector to achieve collective impacts within our communities and across all levels of government. 

TRCA鈥檚 dedication to its employees and sustainability has earned it recognition as both one of and one of . These distinctions highlight TRCA鈥檚 commitment to fostering a supportive, innovative, and environmentally responsible workplace 鈥� dedicated to driving meaningful change and create lasting positive impacts in the communities it serves.

TRCA鈥檚 jurisdiction includes nine watersheds and their Lake Ontario shorelines, spanning six upper-tier and fifteen lower-tier municipalities and representing almost five million people, approximately 10% of Canada鈥檚 population. 

To learn more about TRCA, visit . 

About 91亚色

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TORONTO, March 20, 2025 鈥� 91亚色 and ventureLAB signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their collaboration in talent development, research, and industry-driven innovation. This agreement reinforces their commitment to bridging academia and industry, creating opportunities for students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to drive growth in Canada鈥檚 technology sector.

As a leading innovation hub, ventureLAB鈥檚 mission is to power hardtech founders to build and scale globally competitive ventures that advance Canada鈥檚 knowledge-based economy, making this partnership a natural extension of its work in fostering a globally competitive technology ecosystem.

鈥�91亚色 has long been a valued partner with ventureLAB, and this enhanced collaboration advances our shared goal of not only fostering tech talent in the region but giving that talent the platform to turn their learning and research into commercial success,鈥� said Sophia Chan-Combrink, VP, external relations.

The MOU establishes a strong talent pipeline, connecting 91亚色鈥檚 distinguished professors and researchers with ventureLAB鈥檚 influential network of founders. It also provides 91亚色 students with hands-on internship opportunities, equipping them with real-world experience in the hardtech, semiconductor, AI and medtech industries.

With the launch of 91亚色鈥檚 new Markham Campus, this partnership is expanding to create even greater opportunities for students, faculty, and industry professionals. Located near the new campus, ventureLAB will serve as a key hub for experiential learning, giving students direct access to its state-of-the-art Innovation Centre and resources. This collaboration will drive new joint programming initiatives and strengthen the synergy between 91亚色鈥檚 STEM, management, and business programs and ventureLAB鈥檚 dynamic innovation ecosystem. By fostering cutting-edge research, commercialization, and talent acceleration, 91亚色 and ventureLAB are shaping the future of Canada鈥檚 technology sector.

鈥淔or decades, 91亚色 researchers have been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries that drive meaningful change and improve lives. As the world鈥檚 largest markets compete for top talent in fields such as medical technology, digital innovation, and semiconductors, 91亚色 is committed to ensuring our research translates into tangible, real-world impact,鈥� said Amir Asif, vice president, research and innovation at 91亚色.

鈥淭o achieve sustainable, lasting outcomes, 91亚色 continues to cultivate strategic partnerships that amplify the reach and influence of its research. Through collaboration with ventureLAB, 91亚色 is advancing the MedTech, digital technologies and semiconductor innovation ecosystems by harnessing the expertise of 91亚色鈥檚 Lassonde School of Engineering researchers. This collaboration will accelerate the creation of intellectual property and highly skilled talent, fuelling growth in critical industrial sectors.鈥�

91亚色 continues to be a valuable partner in ventureLAB鈥檚 flagship programs, including the Hardware Catalyst Initiative and Accelerate AI. As part of this renewed agreement, 91亚色 professors will now have direct access to ventureLAB鈥檚 leading-edge hardware lab, enabling groundbreaking research and industry collaborations that will drive advancements in Canada鈥檚 semiconductor, AI, and deep-tech industries. This renewed partnership underscores the transformative potential of collaboration between academia and industry, creating a stronger pipeline of talent and innovation that will shape the future of Canada鈥檚 tech sector. As 91亚色 and ventureLAB continue to strengthen their alliance, they remain dedicated to fostering technological advancements, supporting high-impact research, and equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools to thrive.

-30-

About ventureLAB

is a leading global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies in Canada. Located at the heart of Ontario鈥檚 innovation corridor in 91亚色 Region, ventureLAB is part of one of the biggest and most diverse tech communities in Canada. Our initiatives focused on raising capital, talent retention, commercializing technology and IP, and customer acquisition have enabled thousands of companies to create over 7,200 jobs and raise more than $420 million in investment capital. ventureLAB is powering hardtech founders to build and scale globally competitive ventures that advance Canada鈥檚 knowledge-based economy.

About 91亚色

91亚色 is a leading international teaching and research university, and a driving force for positive change. Empowered by a welcoming and diverse community with a uniquely global perspective, we are preparing our students for their long-term careers and personal success. 

Home to one of the largest and most diverse student bodies in Canada, our 53,450+ students from 178 countries, 375,000+ alumni and leading professors are working with 350+ university, industry and NGO partners to tackle pressing issues such as AI鈥檚 impact on society, disaster and emergency management and more. Recognized as a global leader for five consecutive years in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, and number one in global joint research publications in Ontario, 91亚色 is positioned to take on the challenges that matter most. 

Across our multiple campuses in the Toronto area, including Keele, bilingual Glendon and Markham, and globally in Hyderabad, India, and Costa Rica, we continue to innovate. This brings success to our students in our top-ranked Schulich School of Business and Osgoode Hall Law School, and our new School of Medicine (opening 2028) as well as in the liberal arts, creative and performing arts, professional studies, health, engineering, education and sciences. 

We value collaboration, diversity and inclusivity. Together, we can make things right for ourselves, our communities, our planet and our future. 

To learn more, visit yorku.ca.

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The Town of Stouffville and 91亚色 sign a MOU to further work together in areas such as transportation and traffic, sustainability, urban planning and more.

TORONTO, March 10, 2025 鈥� Today, 91亚色 and the Town of Stouffville are formalizing years of collaboration and shared interests in building strong, healthy and vibrant communities by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The five-year MOU outlines areas where Stouffville and 91亚色 can work together to benefit the community, as well as the university, its faculty and students through cooperation in various research, initiatives and projects which align with mutual goals.

鈥淲e are pleased to deepen our partnership with the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville to further our shared objective of building more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous communities,鈥� says 91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. 鈥淐ollaboration is the cornerstone of driving positive impact, and together, we will continue to foster knowledge mobilization and innovation while creating new opportunities for talented individuals to succeed.鈥�

Some of the priority fields for cooperation include transportation and traffic; equity, diversity and inclusion; environmental and sustainable goals; urban planning; and municipal law.

"Partnering with 91亚色 marks a significant milestone for Stouffville," says Mayor Iain Lovatt. "This agreement will open up new avenues for our residents to participate in groundbreaking projects. As the first post-secondary institution to have a partnership with Stouffville, 91亚色 will bring transformative educational opportunities to our town. Through this collaboration, we aim to create lasting benefits and opportunities for all our community members."

The MOU could enhance student experiential learning opportunities in everything from planning and engineering to policy and more, as well as professional development and training opportunities. It could also enhance support for local economic development initiatives including for entrepreneurs through YSpace, 91亚色鈥檚 pan-university entrepreneurship and innovation hub located near the university鈥檚 recently opened Markham Campus in the heart 91亚色 Region, one of the most diverse and dynamic urban communities in the province.

About Town of Stouffville

The Town of Stouffville is one of the jewels of the GTA, located just north of Toronto on Highway 404. We are a community rich in heritage and character and we are committed to offering our residents and businesses 鈥楥ountry Close to the City鈥�.

About 91亚色

91亚色鈥痠s a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. 91亚色's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91亚色鈥檚 campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future. 

Media Contacts:

Sandra McLean, 91亚色 Media Relations, 416-272-6317,鈥�sandramc@yorku.ca 

Glenn Jackson, Corporate Communications, Town of Stouffville, 905-640-8697 ext. 2451, glenn.jackson@townofws.ca

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New MOU agreement supports City鈥檚 business development,
environmental sustainability, continuous improvement and innovation initiatives

Richmond Hill, Feb. 3, 2025 鈥� Earlier today, Richmond Hill Mayor David West and 91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to set a path forward on shared goals to benefit both Richmond Hill residents and businesses.

The MOU will provide a number of new opportunities for the City of Richmond Hill and 91亚色 faculty and students with a focus on new research projects that support business and entrepreneurship; new experiential learning opportunities at the City for 91亚色 students; professional development and training opportunities for staff within the City; and additional education opportunities for the community.

In addition, the MOU will support local economic development initiatives including continued collaboration related to 91亚色鈥檚 Food Business Incubator and ELLA Women Accelerator programs.

Richmond Hill has a long history of welcoming 91亚色 graduates and faculty to the community. This new partnership builds on shared goals of community building, business development, environmental sustainability and continuous improvement and innovation for which the City and 91亚色 each pursue a wide range of initiatives and projects.

Quotes

鈥淚 am truly excited about this opportunity to further collaborate with 91亚色. 91亚色 is a top international teaching and research university and a driving force for positive change in our Region. By deepening our partnership, we are bringing a lot of smart people together to work on developing shared projects that will ultimately benefit our community as a whole. I am looking forward to this next chapter and seeing where it takes us!鈥� 

- David West, Mayor of Richmond Hill

"91亚色 and Richmond Hill have a long history of partnering to create opportunities for the communities we serve. With a shared focus on advancing sustainability, societal well-being and economic prosperity, we are well-positioned to create meaningful change. I want to thank the City of Richmond Hill for partnering with us. I am confident that together, we can realize a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for us all.鈥� 

- Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, 91亚色

About the City of Richmond Hill

• Richmond Hill is home to more than 200,000 residents and almost 5,000 businesses.
• The City offers access to world-leading professional services, top-notch incubators and research facilities and over 20 universities and colleges within a one-hour drive.
• Smart people from all over the world come to Richmond Hill to build and grow innovative businesses. The City is home to over 4,500 companies, many of whom are designing and developing the next generation of cutting-edge products.
• Richmond Hill is part of Canada鈥檚 largest technology cluster and a pioneer in the four key business sectors (Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Health Industry, Finance and Insurance, and Information and Cultural Industries).
• Richmond Hill is a leader in environmental management and sustainability. Its forward-thinking Environment Strategy and Community Energy and Emissions Plan help guide the City and community鈥檚 environmental efforts and tackle climate change issues from various angles.
• The City is committed to working with innovative and engaged citizens, as well as key government and private sector partners, to build a sustainable, resilient, low-carbon city.

About 91亚色

• 91亚色 is a modern, multi-campus, urban university with three campuses in the Greater Toronto Area including Keele and Markham, in the heart 91亚色 Region, one of the most diverse and dynamic urban communities in the province.
• 91亚色's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.
• We are committed to ensuring that our students have an array of opportunities inside and outside the classroom to hone the skills they need for success including co-op and other forms of work-integrated learning.
• We also provide transnational learning activities both online with international partner institutions and through exchanges and courses offered at our Las Nubes Campus in Costa Rica and/or summer programs.
• Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we are committed to providing the talent, research and innovation to help solve societal challenges and drive positive change for the communities we serve. 

Media Contacts

Sandra McLean Senior Writer and External Communications Specialist, 91亚色
Sandramc@yorku.ca

Candice Debi
Director, Communications, City of Richmond Hill
Candice.Debi@RichmondHill.ca

Kate Davey
Communications Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Kate.Davey@RichmondHill.ca

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TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2024 鈥� Building on a decades-long partnership to address social issues and community needs, earlier today 91亚色 and United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance shared goals to benefit the communities they serve across Peel, Toronto and 91亚色 Region.

Those goals include increasing equity and inclusion, community development, research and knowledge mobilization, learning and employment opportunities, inclusive economic growth, and sustainability. A first between the two organizations, the MOU will enable 91亚色 and UWGT to collaborate on research in areas that align with UWGT's community priorities and the university's areas of strength, including affordable housing, inclusive employment and income security, inclusive communities, and a strong social services sector.

As one of the shared areas of interest, social procurement seeks to increase community benefit by being intentional about how an organization buys its goods and services. 91亚色 was one of Canada's first universities to establish a comprehensive聽Social Procurement Policy, recognizing that its purchasing of goods and services could foster inclusive economic growth and positively impact surrounding communities. By keeping community economic development as a core principle, social procurement helps create more sustainable and prosperous communities. The premise is simple: as 91亚色 grows, local communities should share in the success.

"91亚色 and United Way Greater Toronto are longstanding partners who share a commitment to creating more prosperous and equitable communities to ensure that no one gets left behind and that we are fully leveraging the resources we have, including people, to build a better tomorrow," says聽Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor of 91亚色. "I am confident that by working together and pooling our joint expertise in research, advocacy, and public policy work, we can create a just, equitable and sustainable future for all."

91亚色's vision is to offer a broad demographic of students access to a high-quality university, that is research-intensive and committed to driving positive change. At the centre of the聽University Academic Plan聽is a challenge to elevate 91亚色's contributions to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For its contributions to advancing the SDGs the University ranked 33rd in the world in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. 91亚色's聽Social Procurement Policy is one way it is advancing its contributions to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, which promotes sustainably managing natural resources, reducing and managing waste better, and promoting sustainable lifestyles and company practices.

In 2022, 91亚色 launched its Social Procurement Vendor Portal, becoming the first University in Ontario 鈥� and one of the first in Canada 鈥� to open its procurement process to non-third-party certified diverse vendors and social enterprises. By actively identifying and contracting with diverse-owned businesses and social enterprises, and others who disproportionately experience unemployment or鈥痷nderemployment and聽discrimination, 91亚色 has prioritized vendor diversity through both its Social Procurement Policy and its Social Procurement Vendor Portal.

"Today's MOU signing with 91亚色 is significant because we are recognizing the foundational role of social procurement and how we as large organizations can leverage purchasing power for economic opportunity,鈥� says Daniele Zanotti, president & CEO of United Way Greater Toronto. "This partnership is about uplifting the neighbourhoods we call home, delivering more opportunities for the communities we serve, and creating shared opportunities to improve social conditions."

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TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2023 鈥� By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today, 91亚色 and Southlake Regional Health Centre agree to leverage their collective strengths in health care and research to address pressing challenges in its communities and beyond.

This MOU will enable them to explore mutual areas of interest and goals, opening conversations and furthering health knowledge, practice, policy and care.

鈥淐ollaboration between universities and health-care organizations is more critical than ever to feed the talent pipeline including the on-going needs for lifelong learning, facilitate groundbreaking research and innovation, and provide the best possible health care for our population,鈥� says Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor of 91亚色. 鈥淚 am delighted to continue 91亚色鈥檚 partnership with Southlake. This MOU signing will leverage 91亚色鈥檚 longstanding reputation as a leader in health-care education, while advancing our shared goals of increasing the quality and accessibility of care in 91亚色 Region and Simcoe County. Together, I am confident that we can make important advancements that improve the health outcomes, well-being, and quality of life of Ontario鈥檚 diverse and rapidly growing communities.鈥�

This collaboration spans the full spectrum of care 鈥� from infant, child and adolescent health to healthy aging and seniors鈥� care. It will usher in better care for generations by leveraging expertise in cancer research, neuroscience, and disease modelling, including diabetes, addiction, cardiovascular disease and more.

鈥淪outhlake is proud to foster an environment of innovation, growth and learning, while providing leading edge care to our communities,鈥� says Arden Krystal, president and CEO, Southlake Regional Health Centre. 鈥淭his partnership with 91亚色 will allow us to enrich care for the patients we serve, support professional development and enhance collaboration with the mutual goal of improving care delivery.鈥�

As part of the agreement, 91亚色 and Southlake will be able to partner on improving health informatics and analytics, as well as health technology to develop digital health solutions, machine learning, and diagnostic imaging collaborations.

The MOU will also allow Southlake and 91亚色 to explore professional and community development initiatives that could provide positive change for both institutions, along with the students, staff, faculty and communities they serve. This would include providing Southlake employees with learning opportunities at the University and jointly hosting community events to help raise awareness of local health concerns.

Krystal and Lenton formalized the alliance during a signing ceremony at Southlake in Newmarket, which included Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy and Southlake鈥檚 Elizabeth Ferguson, chief nursing executive and vice-president for people, interprofessional practice and patient experience.

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91亚色 has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with India鈥檚 that creates new exchange programs designed to mutually enrich the student experience. Both universities share a commitment to progressive values underpinned by academic excellence. Signed recently in Sonipat, Haryana, the MOU ensures students, researchers, and faculty members benefit from both universities鈥� strengths and immersion in an innovative, international educational experience.

鈥淎s the world recovers from a global pandemic, progressive universities like 91亚色 and JGU have an opportunity to play a greater role in facilitating global engagement to address incredibly complex challenges,鈥� said Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor of 91亚色, upon signing the MOU.

JGU鈥檚 Vice-Chancellor Professor C. Raj Kumar added, 鈥淭he collaboration with Canada鈥檚 higher-education leader 91亚色, is an important milestone in our institutional journey. In this partnership, we aim to further progress with student and faculty exchange programs, short-term study abroad programs, dual degree programs, and also focus on collaborative research projects.鈥�

Lenton also highlighted that as part of the MOU, 91亚色 is developing specific initiatives to strengthen ties with JGU, a longstanding strategic partner in India that started with a collaboration between the two universities鈥� law schools. 鈥�91亚色 is proud to invest in several critical initiatives that will strengthen our ties to India and create mutually beneficial opportunities for our talented students and researchers, including an India Immersion Program with JGU to help Canadian students understand India, its growth story and the nation鈥檚 growing impact on the world.鈥�

91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, and Science deans were present at the signing of the MOU, having accompanied Lenton on the India mission along with an associate dean from the Lassonde School of Engineering.

The deans engaged in discussions with their counterparts at JGU to explore opportunities for two-way student exchange programs and research partnerships, and to firm up institutional collaborations.

Kumar added, 鈥淎s India鈥檚 leading private university, this relationship will not only boost the association between our universities but also strengthen the long-term educational relationship between India and Canada.鈥�

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