Forum Equity Partners Inc., the Canadian infrastructure development and investment firm, and Campus Suites Inc., an international student housing development company, have formed a consortium, the Forum York Development Corporation (FYDC), that has concluded a definitive agreement with York University to design, build, finance, maintain and operate (DBFMO) a new student housing and mixed use project on the Keele Campus of Toronto's York University.

The new student housing and mixed use project, called "The Quad," when complete will be comprised of four separate buildings, each including student residential space with retail at-grade. The plans include approximately 800 beds in suite style units, with a full amenity and student life package. The student housing units will be made available only to York University and Seneca@York students. York University will lease the development site, which is currently an underutilized parking lot, to FYDC.

Richard Abboud, President and CEO of Forum Equity Partners, said:

"We believe this project with York University will bee a model for other leading universities across Canada seeking to provide a top quality student experience that complements and supports the universities' core academic mission."

Gary Brewer, Vice-President Finance and Administration of York University, said:

"The Quad student housing community will benefit York's students, and is part of our broader housing strategy of reinvesting in our existing residences and working with experienced private firms to deliver new beds. This project will deliver high-quality new housing on the doorstep of our classrooms."

York University is Canada's third-largest university and is it has two campuses located in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, the University serves 55,000 students.