GEORGINA, Nov. 5, 2025 – York University and the Town of Georgina signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to formalize their long-standing collaboration in key areas of mutual interest.
The five-year MOU outlines areas where Georgina and York can collaborate to benefit both the community and the University and further develop their shared interest in primary care, local economic development, entrepreneurship initiatives and knowledge mobilization.
One of the goals is to expand the current relationship which began even before the opening of YSpace Georgina Business Incubator/Accelerator Hub in 2022, York’s pan-university entrepreneurship and innovation hub. YSpace offers support for local businesses, including opportunities for learning and collaboration.
“York University is proud to deepen our partnership with the Town of Georgina through this new Memorandum of Understanding,” says Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor of York University. “By working together, we are expanding opportunities for experiential learning, supporting local innovation, and driving positive change in our communities. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing primary care, economic development, entrepreneurship and prosperity, while empowering our students and partners to make a meaningful impact – locally and beyond.”
The MOU will encourage alignment and open avenues for experiential learning opportunities for York students that will also benefit Georgina, along with professional development and training opportunities, involvement with capstone projects and community education.
“This MOU reflects the strong and growing relationship between the Town of Georgina and York University,” said Mayor Margaret Quirk. “Through initiatives like YSpace Georgina, we’ve seen firsthand how collaboration can drive innovation, support local businesses, and create meaningful opportunities for our residents. We look forward to continuing this work together to build a more vibrant and resilient community.”
The University and the Town also share an interest in supporting projects and initiatives involving research and artificial intelligence that will foster benefits for both the University and Georgina. The MOU will solidify the relationship between them which has already delivered benefits to both communities.
About Town of Georgina
Georgina is a lakeshore town in one of Canada’s fastest-growing economic regions, York Region, where residents, organizations and businesses work collaboratively with the municipality to create a well-connected and diversified economy poised for growth. Georgina is a community of communities, with each area having a unique and historical identity, all united and proud to collectively call Georgina home. With 52-kilometres of Lake Simcoe shoreline and only an hour from Toronto, Georgina offers a balanced rural and urban lifestyle, making it a desired location to live, work and play.
About York University
York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. York's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs, while at the Markham Campus, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration are built into every program. York’s new School of Medicine, the first Canadian medical school to focus on community-based primary health-care education, will welcome its first cohort in September 2028.
Media Contacts:
Tanya Thompson, Town of Georgina, 905-476-4301 Ext. 2446, tathompson@georgina.ca
Sandra McLean, York University Media Relations, 416-272-6317, sandramc@yorku.ca