President Melanie Woodin, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, councillors celebrate collaboration

In a celebration of the collaboration between the University of Toronto and the City of Toronto, U of T President Melanie Woodin visited Toronto City Hall to advance shared priorities and meet with Mayor Olivia Chow and city leaders. The event highlighted a mutual commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth across the region.

Among the participants were City Manager Paul Johnson, Deputy City Manager Kate Bassil, University-Rosedale councillor Dianne Saxe, Scarborough-Rouge Park Councillor Neethan Shan (councillor for University of Toronto Scarborough), and deputy mayors Amber Morley, Mike Colle, and Ausma Malik.

President Woodin underscored U of T’s role as a vital civic partner and builder of social and urban infrastructure.

“This city and its namesake university have literally grown up together. And history shows that U of T’s success is Toronto’s success, and vice-versa,” Woodin said.

For example, the university and its supporters are contributing to innovation and public space such as the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Complex and the Landmark Project. At the same time, the city is a magnet for the top global faculty the university is currently recruiting with support from the federal government’s Canada Impact + Research Chairs program.

U of T is also a “massive portal of opportunity for outstanding students from the GTA and across Canada,” Woodin added.

The university’s policy on financial assistance ensures that no domestic student offered admission is unable to pursue their studies due to financial barriers.

Mayor Olivia Chow, Councillor Saxe and other speakers reflected on the value of working with the university to support the city’s future.

“This University is deeply woven into the fabric of our city. … Almost 13 percent of Toronto residents are U of T students, alumni, faculty, or staff,” Chow said. “So often, when I’m in communities across the city, I hear firsthand from proud first-generation immigrant parents, speaking of children who, through their education here at U of T, now pursue careers that once seemed unimaginable,” she said.

Discussions at the event touched on the University of Toronto’s upcoming celebrations for its bicentennial in 2027, and shared interests, including sustainability, housing, transit, and strengthening Toronto’s innovation ecosystem.

These themes reflect ongoing joint efforts, such as a renewed memorandum on the key shared goals of championing social and economic development, connecting students on learning opportunities and promoting program innovation. 

In addition, through CivicLabTO, U of T is one of eight higher education institutions partnering with the city on research that improves residents’ lives.

Priorities and connections made at the event will lead to new opportunities, Woodin said.

“Let me end by emphasizing how much we appreciate our partnership with you, and how much I look forward to working with you in the years to come.”