An Ontario college that’s been part of a small town since 1970 is shutting down its campus due to severe financial issues.
Algonquin College has notified its staff and students in Perth, situated between Kingston and Ottawa, that it will close the campus by the end of August 2026.
Judy Brown, the mayor of the town with around 6,500 residents, stated on Monday that Perth “will deeply feel the loss” of Algonquin College.
“For over five decades, the Perth Campus has provided invaluable educational opportunities, shaped countless careers, and strengthened the fabric of our town. Its heritage trades programs, in particular, have left a lasting legacy that can be seen in the beautiful heritage buildings that define our community,” Brown said.
“Education opportunities in rural communities are essential. They ensure that people can learn, grow, and thrive without leaving their hometowns.”
Story continues below
![Click to play video: 'Universities’ and colleges’ growing deficits, layoffs concern unions across country']()
2:15 Universities’ and colleges’ growing deficits, layoffs concern unions across country
Around a year after capping international student numbers coming into Canada, several colleges have announced significant changes or halted programs altogether due to reduced funding from those students they relied upon heavily.
This cap has led to nearly a 50 percent drop in admissions for Ontario colleges along with a $752-million decrease in operating budgets across various campuses.
Sheridan College suspended 40 programs back in November 2024. Seneca College is temporarily closing its Markham campus entirely because of declining enrollment. At Mohawk College, about 20 percent of administrative staff were laid off along with suspending 16 programs for 2025.
Despite these troubles, a representative for Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn told last month that they remain confident about public colleges – especially regarding their role in training graduates.
More on Education More videos
Story continues below
“We are currently focused on making sure that post-secondary programs get Ontario students into rewarding careers that address the province’s current and future labour market needs,” they said.
“Our post-secondary sector is going through a rebalancing right now and some difficult decisions are being made by our institutions to ensure they’re able to continue delivering world-class education here for students.”
![Click to play video: 'Ontario budget leaves much to be desired from post-secondary institutions']()
2:18 Ontario budget leaves much to be desired from post-secondary institutions
The mayor expressed disappointment regarding Algonquin’s exit from town labeling it as “cornerstone” within their community.
“While we understand the fiscal realities faced by Algonquin College – including frozen tuition fees , funding gaps , and declining international student enrollment due recent federal/provincial changes – we’ll greatly feel losing these programs along with campus overall,” Brown added.
– with files from Isaac Callan and Colin D’Mello © 2025 , division Corus Entertainment Inc.
Source link
Algonquin Facing Major Financial Issues
Claude Brulé, president and CEO of Algonquin College, mentioned in a Jan. 9 notice that international student caps and lack of provincial funding have led to “unprecedented financial challenges” for all post-secondary institutions. Brulé indicated that staff have been assessing operations at the school and predict Algonquin will face a $32 million revenue loss this fiscal year. Without measures like closing its Perth campus, Brulé stated that on a cash-flow basis, they expect a deficit of $60 million for 2025-26 and an increase to $96 million for 2026-27.
Get daily National news
Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories. “These are the most challenging fiscal times in the college’s history. I understand how morale is being negatively impacted and employees and learners may be feeling concerned and anxious as they await updates,” Brulé said. “These decisions are being carefully considered with a focus on minimizing impacts on employees and learners while maintaining our commitment to providing exceptional learning experiences for years to come.” Story continues below
2:15 Universities’ and colleges’ growing deficits, layoffs concern unions across country
Around a year after capping international student numbers coming into Canada, several colleges have announced significant changes or halted programs altogether due to reduced funding from those students they relied upon heavily.
This cap has led to nearly a 50 percent drop in admissions for Ontario colleges along with a $752-million decrease in operating budgets across various campuses.
Sheridan College suspended 40 programs back in November 2024. Seneca College is temporarily closing its Markham campus entirely because of declining enrollment. At Mohawk College, about 20 percent of administrative staff were laid off along with suspending 16 programs for 2025.
Despite these troubles, a representative for Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn told last month that they remain confident about public colleges – especially regarding their role in training graduates.
More on Education More videos
Story continues below
“We are currently focused on making sure that post-secondary programs get Ontario students into rewarding careers that address the province’s current and future labour market needs,” they said.
“Our post-secondary sector is going through a rebalancing right now and some difficult decisions are being made by our institutions to ensure they’re able to continue delivering world-class education here for students.”
Algonquin Is Key For Perth: Brown
Brulé mentioned Algonquin will try its best to lessen effects on employees and students at Perth. The proposal to close this location will be presented at their Feb. 24 board meeting. “Programs at the Perth Campus will remain active until the end of the 2026 Spring Term; after which they will transfer over to Ottawa Campus,” Brulé noted. “The college plans to finalize this transition by ceasing operations at Perth Campus by late August 2026.” Story continues below
2:18 Ontario budget leaves much to be desired from post-secondary institutions
The mayor expressed disappointment regarding Algonquin’s exit from town labeling it as “cornerstone” within their community.“While we understand the fiscal realities faced by Algonquin College – including frozen tuition fees , funding gaps , and declining international student enrollment due recent federal/provincial changes – we’ll greatly feel losing these programs along with campus overall,” Brown added.
– with files from Isaac Callan and Colin D’Mello © 2025 , division Corus Entertainment Inc.
Source link
