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Expanded Horizons
by Deirdre Kelly
Last spring, the Ontario government gave approval for a new state-of-the art York University campus to open north of Toronto in Markham, Ont. When the $253-million project opens its doors in September 2021, an anticipated 4,200 students will have their choice of more than 20 degree programs. York has teamed up with Seneca College as its academic partner on the project, with strong financial support also coming in from the province, the City of Markham and the municipality of York Region.
The preliminary design by Diamond Schmitt Architects features a large, landscaped campus commons area, a 10-storey building and a four-storey podium with double-height glazing enhancing a sense of connectedness with the surrounding neighbourhood. “The Markham Centre campus supports our commitment to increase access to a high-quality, research-intensive university education, and to enhancing our connectedness to local and international communities,” says York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “We look forward to getting shovels in the ground on a new campus that will contribute significantly to helping us realize our vision for York.”
