Vice-President Operations and Real Estate Partnerships

News

News

From Kazakhstan to Toronto: Aliya’s Inspiring Journey with U of T Family Housing

Aliya sits in the sun-filled Residence Life Office of University Family Housing (UFH) in downtown bouncing her son, Nazir, on… Read More
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Minister Gregor Robertson hears ideas on accelerating student housing

Student housing plays an important role in a national housing strategy and can support a long-term talent strategy for Canada,… Read More
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The Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus at the University of Toronto

The Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus is designed to advance the University of Toronto’s strategic mission of linking academic research and… Read More
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The 5 most gorgeous projects completed in Toronto in 2023

Toronto experienced another transformative year in 2023, bringing several jaw-dropping instant landmarks to the city. Condos remain the biggest player… Read More
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U of T’s Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre Phase 1 Nears Completion

The University of Toronto‘s expanding architectural landscape is soon set to welcome the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre. With the international design team of… Read More
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University of Toronto selects Westbank as development partner for The Gateway

The University of Toronto has chosen Westbank, a leading private North American real estate developer, to design and build its innovative Site 1:… Read More
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Construction Presses on at SRIC, the University of Toronto’s Newest Flagship Innovation Hub

As Toronto continues to gain momentum as an international tech hub, construction presses on at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre… Read More
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Cladding Emphasizes Angles at U of T’s Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre

The University of Toronto’s up and coming Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre has been under construction for over a year now,… Read More
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First of two U of T towers rises, creating Canada’s largest innovation centre

A small army of skilled trades and contractors are working on building the first of two towers that will make… Read More
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U of T’s Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre Starts to Show Its Shape

The construction of the University of Toronto’s up and coming Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre is progressing, and is now beginning to show… Read More
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‘Beautifully designed and beautifully built’: U of T unveils new laneway, infill housing

Three families have been given the keys to three brand new homes on the University of Toronto’s St. George campus… Read More

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uoft.realestate Nov 14

@ uoft.realestate . Nov 14

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Purpose-Driven Development at U of T 🏡

As Canada's housing market continues to shift, Real Estate Partnerships at the University of Toronto is staying ahead of the curve—with purpose.

While national housing affordability remains at historic lows, our team is focused on solutions that support our academic community. Through our Build More Housing Initiative, we are actively working to expand access to affordable, high-quality housing for students, faculty, and staff—those who make U of T a world-class institution.

📈 With market uncertainty on the rise, we see an opportunity to lead with impact.
💡 Our past residential developments have helped:
✅ Ease housing pressures near campus
✅ Create welcoming, inclusive spaces for university families
✅ Support academic success through stable, secure living options

Now, we’re scaling that vision. We're working with forward-thinking development partners to collaborate with us as we design the next generation of university housing—solutions that are not only economically viable but socially meaningful.

#UofT #ReimagineRealEstate #UofTRealEstate

uoft.realestate Nov 12

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At the University of Toronto, Real Estate Partnerships manages a unique portfolio — one that’s distinctly different from academic real estate.

Our focus is on ancillary assets that support the University’s mission by creating long-term value and reinvesting back into the institution.

Our portfolio includes:

- Retail spaces
- Office and innovation space
- Research and lab facilities
- Student and faculty housing

How we’re different from academic real estate:

- We operate as a self-funded division, reinvesting returns into future University priorities.
- Our projects are commercial in nature, designed to create value beyond the classroom.
- We build strategic partnerships with the private sector to expand U of T’s real estate footprint.
- We focus on development and management of ancillary assets, not classrooms or lecture halls.

- Together, these spaces form a growing ecosystem that fuels innovation, community, and financial sustainability for the University of Toronto.

#UofT #ReimagineRealEstate #UofTRealEstate

uoft.realestate Nov 6

@ uoft.realestate . Nov 6

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Looking back—and moving forward. 🏗️✨

From innovation hubs to student housing, U of T Real Estate Partnerships has been creating spaces that shape our community.

📍2015 – MaRS West partnership
📍2018 – Four Corners Strategy approved
📍2019 – Real Estate Partnerships is formed
📍2021 – 730 Yonge Revitalization
📍2022 – Knox College acquired
📍2023 – Schwartz Reisman West opens
📍2024 – CampusOne acquisition
📍2025 – Oak House opens

Here’s to the spaces that bring U of T’s mission to life — and to all that’s still to come.

uoft.realestate Oct 31

@ uoft.realestate . Oct 31

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🩸 A midnight idea that changed the world.

On October 31, 1920, Frederick Banting woke in the middle of the night and jotted down 25 words that would lead to the discovery of insulin—a breakthrough that turned diabetes from a deadly disease into a treatable one.

Over a century ago, at the University of Toronto, Frederick Banting’s groundbreaking research led to the discovery of insulin — a medical breakthrough that has saved millions of lives around the world.

Today, the original Banting and Best Institute site is being transformed into the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus East — a new chapter for U of T innovation. The future building will feature state-of-the-art Life Sciences spaces, continuing the legacy of scientific curiosity and world-changing discovery that began right here.

The spirit of Banting and Best lives on — in every lab, idea, and breakthrough that shapes the next century of research at U of T. From insulin to AI, this corner of campus has been, and continues to be, a birthplace for world-changing ideas.

uoft.realestate Oct 22

@ uoft.realestate . Oct 22

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Where Toronto’s ideas meet the water. 🌊✨

Since opening in 2021, The Nucleus at the Waterfront Innovation Centre has become a hub for startups and researchers shaping the city’s future.

With U of T as the anchor tenant, managed in partnership by @marsdiscoverydistrict , The Nucleus brings together innovators in cleantech, AI, digital health, and SaaS — all in a space designed for collaboration and discovery.

“It’s a winning combination—MaRS’ world-class innovation support with the incredible depth and range of U of T’s researchers.”

— Meric Gertler, 16th U of T President

📍 155 Queens Quay East

☂️ Steps from Sugar Beach

💡 Built for ideas that move Toronto forward.

🎥 Watch the full film and see innovation in motion. Link in bio 🔗

uoft.realestate Oct 3

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✨ A snapshot of U of T spaces, designed for life on and beyond campus. ✨

From student + faculty housing, to innovation labs, retail storefronts, and more — every project in the Real Estate Partnerships portfolio strengthens the campus experience while shaping Toronto’s future. 🇨🇦

We’re proud to support our community, our city, and our country. 💙

uoft.realestate Sep 25

@ uoft.realestate . Sep 25

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🌟 Purpose Spotlight

On this rainy day in Toronto, we think back to University Family Housing’s annual Spring Rooftop Festival—a celebration of community, connection, and sunshine for all University Family Housing residents! 🎉☀️

Hosted by University Family Housing, Spaces & Experiences, this much-loved tradition brings together families, friends, and neighbours for an afternoon of snacks, fun activities, and warm spring vibes—all right here in the heart of Toronto.

Our mission goes far beyond buildings. It’s about creating spaces that foster belonging, community, and connection—spaces where people feel at home.

uoft.realestate Sep 23

@ uoft.realestate . Sep 23

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Innovation lives here. ✨

The Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus is U of T’s newest hub for discovery, collaboration, and entrepreneurship — right in the heart of the MaRS Discovery District and Toronto’s Hospital Row.

SR West (opened in 2023) offers 250K SF of flexible labs, research, and collaboration space across 13 storeys. Soon, the East Tower (an additional 400K SF) will add even more room for breakthroughs in AI, biotech, and life sciences.

Home to the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology & Society, the Vector Institute, Medicine by Design, U of T’s Entrepreneurship Office, ONRamp, and dozens of student- and faculty-led start-ups — this is a place where bold ideas become real solutions.

🎬 Our new property film takes you inside.

👀 And soon, you’ll be able to explore it yourself — an open house is coming up.