Celebrating a Milestone with the York University Markham Campus Centre

MARKHAM, ON — July 23, 2018 - Today, the City of Markham and York University held a land acknowledgement ceremony for York University Markham Centre Campus. The City of Markham is in the process of transferring almost 5 acres of land, located at Enterprise Boulevard and Rivis Road, over to York University.

“Through this land acknowledgement we are recognizing the fundamentals of Indigenous traditions and values,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We are showing our respect to the original inhabitants of the land we now know as Markham while charging toward an exciting future driven by innovation and fueled by talent. The new York University campus fits well with the vision we have for Markham Centre and will build on Markham’s highly skilled, highly educated and diverse workforce."

“It was very important to me personally, and to the University, to participate in a ceremony that acknowledges the original stewards of the land and to further commit to be a responsible steward and a good partner in the years to come,” says Rhonda L. Lenton, President & Vice-Chancellor, York University. “Connecting with communities and community members is one of my highest priorities. Today’s milestone represents a beginning, and we look forward to continue building our relationship with the Mississaugas of the New Credit.”

The City of Markham is in the heart of Ontario's innovation corridor. With more than 1,500 high-tech and life sciences companies creating more than 37,000 jobs, Markham is a key player, outperforming Kitchener-Waterloo and Ottawa.  

The City of Markham is home to a robust and thriving ecosystem of start-ups and industry leaders, working out of incubator spaces like York University's  YSpace in Markham Centre, a state-of-the-art engagement centre focused on creating new approaches and opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship within York Region.
As of Monday morning, 23 new gateway signs that read, "Future Home of York University", welcomed commuters as they entered the City of Markham.

Recently, the City of Markham launched the #ChooseMarkham campaign during 'Innovation Week in the City of Markham' from May 7 to 13, 2018, which celebrated Markham as the home to several international industry leaders like IBM, GM Canada and Huawei, and innovation hubs like VentureLab.

The arrival of York University is another reason to #ChooseMarkham.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to share their reasons for planting roots in the City of Markham on social media using the hashtag #ChooseMarkham.

To learn more, visit www.choosemarkham.ca. 
 

QUICK FACTS:

• York University Markham Centre Campus will welcome 1,000 students in the first year, growing to more than 4,000 by 2024.
• It will create 400+ new on-campus jobs.
• Over $500 million in economic benefits from construction.
• Once open, the facility will generate $37 million for the economy annually.

PHOTOS

VIDEO: Why did York University #ChooseMarkham?

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 41-671-2890.

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham: 
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416-737-2684