Contact: Mayor Dave Barrow, 905-771-2493, dave.barrow@richmondhill.ca

RICHMOND HILL – York University and Seneca College have selected the Town of Richmond Hill as one of the potential locations for a new university campus. Richmond Hill has been shortlisted amongst six potential municipal partners.

“We are excited, but not surprised to be on the short list,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “Richmond Hill is an excellent choice for the satellite university campus. We have a long-standing commitment to partner with post-secondary educational institutions. We are also proud to be one of Canada’s most highly educated communities.”

As an established, vibrant urban centre, Richmond Hill is centrally located and well served by a multi-modal transit system, making it an ideal location to meet the needs of students and faculty of a new university. Richmond Hill offers its residents a great balance between urban amenities and access to green space and the natural environment. Students at the new York in York campus will feel at home in Richmond Hill.

Richmond Hill is more than ready to be a partner in the creation of the York University and Seneca College campus. Both its Official Plan and Economic Development Strategy support a university campus.

“The addition of a university campus in our community will stimulate growth and economic development in Richmond Hill and the Region, benefitting us all,” added the Mayor.

The new campus is part of York University’s plan to respond to the Call for Proposal by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to increase student capacity in areas of growing demand for postsecondary education. Richmond Hill was shortlisted along with the cities of Markham and Vaughan from six interested York Region municipalities. All presented proposals to the York University Steering/Evaluation Committee on April 17.

Richmond Hill supports York University’s commitment to an international standard of excellence. Together, we will create a 21st Century university campus.

“York University can count on the support of our Council and community for this project. We are excited about the prospect of supporting York University’s vision for a new and innovative university campus here in York Region,” said Mayor Barrow.

The three short-listed municipalities will participate in a more detailed review with York University and Seneca in early May. The preferred municipality will be announced later that month. A final submission is expected to be made to the Province in September.

For more detailed information on Richmond Hill’s proposal for the new York University and Seneca College campus, contact Joan Anderton, CAO, 905-771-5452.