Statement: Mayor Bevilacqua marks important milestone for Vaughan's first university
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Community comes together for grand opening of Niagara University in Vaughan
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued the following statement on the occasion of the formal grand opening of Niagara University’s new site in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC):
“It gives me great pleasure to join Premier Doug Ford and Reverend James J. Maher, president of Niagara University, to commemorate another important milestone between Vaughan and Niagara University, the grand opening of this new campus.
“As Father Maher can attest, the first steps in our journey to bring Niagara University to Vaughan began in early 2018. Our initial discussions and negotiations with community partners were rooted in a shared mission to secure the best possible location for this post-secondary institution to undertake this exciting new chapter in its extensive, proud and rich history.
“When those conversations were first taking place, Father Maher and I spoke at length about our hopes and aspirations for the students. We remain unwavering in our commitment to ensure they get the best education from accomplished and compassionate professors – in a community that loves, supports and welcomes them.
“In January of this year, I joined staff, faculty and Father Maher to make the historic announcement that Niagara had expanded to Vaughan, and to welcome students on their first day of classes. The celebrations continued into the year when I presented Father Maher with the Key to the City at my annual Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Mayor's Luncheon – before a crowd of more than 800 business, government and community leaders.
“Today, Niagara University in Ontario is in the heart of the VMC, our emerging downtown core. It is the largest and most ambitious project in the City's history and will include: 1.5 million square feet of office space; 750,000 square feet of retail space; 12,000 residential units to be home to 25,000 people; and employment targets of 11,500 jobs, of which 5,000 will be new office jobs.
“Cranes tower over a growing skyline that will include globally-competitive businesses, along with a new YMCA and Vaughan Public Libraries’ branch – important amenities that will add to the quality of life for Niagara University students and the community at large. This site is walking distance from the VMC Subway station. Vaughan is the first and only community outside of Toronto to be connected to the subway. The campus is also steps away from the vivaNext bus rapid transit service. This transit hub alone sees more than 14,000 daily visitors.
“After more than 30 years in public service, I have learned that when you truly believe in a mission, you must do everything within your capacity to overcome obstacles, see the work through and help bring it to life.
“It has long-been my dream to bring a university to Vaughan. And this dream has been achieved.
“Higher learning and education speak to the pursuit of a noble goal that is fundamentally woven into the core of every human being and that is, to ultimately do better.
“I believe we must undertake city-building with a vision that focuses on improving access to education for people of all ages. Vaughan's downtown – and our new university – are the result of a labour of love. We achieved this through people working together, trusting one another and implementing shared goals.
“The arrival of Niagara University in our community is further proof that Vaughan is the place to be. Today’s grand opening marks yet another transformational initiative either completed or currently underway in our city, which also includes the ongoing construction of Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital and the opening of phase one of North Maple Regional Park. These are the kinds of powerful and monumental projects that fundamentally define a city.
“Improved access to education, healthcare and transportation are hallmarks of any modern, thriving city. That is what we aim to achieve. We look forward to further shaping a promising and prosperous future for Niagara University, here in Vaughan.
“Thank you and congratulations once again on the grand opening of Niagara University.”
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