The Ontario government has announced plans to invest $90 million for the construction of a new Brampton post-secondary institution..
The new campus will be at the south-east corner of Church St. West and Mill St. North in Brampton. Focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, programs will be delivered in partnership by Ryerson University and Sheridan College of Applied Arts and Technology. The new site will provide up to 2,000 new undergraduate spaces within five to 10 years.
Ryerson University says it welcomes the government’s announcement, marking the first time the university has expanded academic programming outside of downtown Toronto.
“In expanding to Brampton, Ryerson University will provide much-needed university programs to students in one of the fastest-growing and most diverse communities in Canada,” said Mohamed Lachemi, the university’s president and vice-chancellor. “We are looking forward to working with Sheridan to provide students in the region with innovative academic programs that offer the critical thinking and problem solving skills needed to succeed and thrive in the modern economy.”
In addition to delivering a mix of data driven science, business programs and experiential learning opportunities, Ryerson’s Brampton expansion will also include:
- A Centre for Education, Innovation and Collaboration;
- an Innovation Hub, connecting students with external organizations in the region; and
- a National Centre for Cybersecurity.
Brampton City Council made a commitment of as much as $150 million for the new downtown university campus and centre for innovation, in addition to the $90 million provincial contribution.
“Sheridan College has a long history and deep roots in the region both as an educator and as a strong partner with community organizations and businesses,” said Chris Evans, the executive lead at Ryerson for the Brampton initiative. “Ryerson University looks forward to working with Sheridan to create new programs, educational pathways, and shared experiential learning opportunities for our students.”
The project has an anticipated academic start date of September, 2022. Plans call for the downtown Brampton campus to grow to enrol at least 2,000 students over the first five years.
“I want to thank the province of Ontario, the City of Brampton, and Sheridan for being such outstanding and supportive partners,” said Lachemi. “As a recognized leader in city building and innovation, Ryerson University believes this is an outstanding opportunity to be a catalyst for further growth in the region.”