Vice-President Operations and Real Estate Partnerships

What’s On

News

U of T, government and industry partners celebrate opening of BioLabs

Home to dozens of early-stage life-science startups, BioLabs University of Toronto is the city’s largest shared lab incubator and the… Read More
News

U of T partners with BioLabs to launch the city’s largest wet-lab incubator and co-working space

The University of Toronto has partnered with BioLabs to launch Canada’s largest shared wet-lab incubator at the MaRS Discovery District,… Read More
News

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
News

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
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
News

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
News

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
News

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
News

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
News

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
News

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

Social Media

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uoft.realestate Apr 22

@ uoft.realestate . Apr 22

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MaRS West Tower is more than a building—it’s a cornerstone of Canada’s innovation ecosystem.

We’re proud to share our latest property film, highlighting this landmark development in Toronto’s Discovery District and the role the University of Toronto plays in shaping its impact.

Completed in 2014, the 20-storey, 780,000 SF tower was delivered through a powerful partnership between the Province of Ontario, the Ministry of Research and Innovation, MaRS, the Government of Canada, and the University of Toronto. When the project required a new path forward, U of T stepped in as a strategic partner—securing a 20% ownership stake and helping bring the vision to life.

Today, the building is home to a dynamic mix of office, life sciences, and retail space, with U of T research labs on Floors 14–16 and BioLabs on Floor 13. Managed by MaRS, the tower connects researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry in one of North America’s leading innovation hubs.

With LEED Platinum and BOMA BEST Platinum certifications, MaRS West Tower also sets a high bar for sustainability and long-term performance.
Watch the film to see how partnership, place, and purpose come together to drive impact for the University, the city of Toronto, and Canada.

#UofT #RealEstate #Innovation #LifeSciences #CityBuilding #Partnerships

uoft.realestate Mar 10

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🌳 Welcome to Oak House.

A new student community in the heart of the University of Toronto St. George campus - bringing together 508 student bedrooms, faculty townhomes, shared study spaces, dining, and vibrant community areas.

Built with sustainability at its core and designed for connection, Oak House is setting a new standard for student living in downtown Toronto.

🎥 Take a look inside the newest residence on campus.

#ReimagineRealEstate #RealEstatePartnerships #OakHouseResidence #UofT #StudentLiving #CampusLife

uoft.realestate Feb 9

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Chestnut Student Residence—formerly Canada’s largest hotel—has been home to U of T students since 2003, adding over 1,100 beds in the heart of downtown Toronto, just steps from transit, shopping, and campus. With ensuite rooms, vibrant themed communities, award-winning dining, and panoramic city views, Chestnut offers a dynamic, global residence experience for students from over 60 countries.

#ReimagineRealEstate #UofT

uoft.realestate Jan 27

@ uoft.realestate . Jan 27

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In early 2025, our team completed a complex agreement with CAMH that enabled the University to acquire 175 College Street, on the south side of College between Henry and McCaul.

As part of the deal, the University has gained access to over 200K SF of office space at 33 Ursula Franklin Street. As for 175 College, work is underway to get it ready for campus use.

These outcomes reflect an ongoing strategy: continuously scanning assets adjacent to campus for strategic acquisition opportunities, assessed through location, development capacity, pricing, and complexity — including heritage and municipal considerations.

This approach underscores the value of patience, institutional alignment and readiness when the right opportunity emerges. The deal marks another step forward for the 4 Corners Strategy.

#ReimagineRealEstate #UofTRealEstate #4CornersStrategy

uoft.realestate Jan 21

@ uoft.realestate . Jan 21

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We’re boldly shaping the future of U of T with our Four Corners strategy, transforming the edges of our St. George campus — anchored by Chestnut (South East), CampusOne (South West), Oak House (North West), and University Family Housing (North East) — into vibrant hubs of innovation and connection. 🏡

Our vision delivers what truly matters to the University: top-tier housing for students and faculty, cutting-edge innovation and lab spaces, and retail services that elevate campus life, all while ensuring strong, responsible financial returns.

By activating the campus perimeter, we’re not just adding amenities; we’re creating spaces that attract and retain the best people and connect the University of Toronto more deeply with the city.

Our commitment is unmatched: we drive every project with our own expertise, collaborate with our partners to safeguard academic goals, manage risk and guarantee that every new space enhances both the campus and its community. 💙

#ReimagineRealEstate #4CStrategy #UofTRealEstate #UofT #FourCorners #RealEstatePartnerships

uoft.realestate Jan 15

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uoft.realestate Nov 18

@ uoft.realestate . Nov 18

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Caught the real star of our Oak House property shoot today 🐶🤩

Between highlighting study lounges, music rooms, and skyline views, this sweet pup trotted in to supervise the set — and instantly stole the show.

Oak House life: great spaces, great energy… and sometimes, unexpected furry friends.

🌳🎞️ Property film coming soon!

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