Tyndale University College and Seminary has purchased the home belonging to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto on Bayview Avenue for $40 million, putting an end to concerns from local residents that portions of the lot will be sold to residential developers. “The previous time the sisters decided to look at their property, they [considered] selling pieces of it off, which would create new subdivisions,” said Ward 24 councillor David Shiner.
St. Joseph, which is just south of Steeles Avenue, has long been a neighbourhood staple. The lot is 23 hectares and includes a chapel, a Catholic high school and wide open space. But, recently the sisters decided to move into a smaller property on O’Connor Drive in East York. “The facility we’re in now is too big for us,” said congregational leader Sister Thérèse Meunier.
St. Joseph began as an educational institution when the sisters came to the city — a legacy Tyndale is more than happy to continue. “There’s a great synergy between the two institutions and we really do appreciate them,” said Tyndale’s president and vice-chancellor, Gary Nelson.
With the student body increasing 20 per cent this past year, Tyndale needed to move into a bigger space. At 380,000 square feet, the size of the campus will be more than doubled and is expected to be completed in 2013.
The expansion was made possible by the university’s Uncommon Ground initiative, which raised $44 million for its capital campaign project.
As for the new site, the grounds will stay relatively the same. Although there won’t be any major construction as of yet, the money raised will go toward renovations, such as making the space more accessible, having the building operate year round and enhancing academic programs.
In addition, the university would like to make the grounds more public. “We envision a chance for people to use the campus. As we would say in our language, ‘It’s a God thing,’ ” Nelson said.
