More than 15 years ago, John Milloy and John Baird, former government ministers, announced a joint investment of $9 million from the provincial and federal governments into Algonquin College’s Perth campus. The intention behind the funding in 2009 was to provide accessible, high-quality education to rural students, promote economic growth, and support skilled trades in the Perth region.
However, the campus is now set to close this summer as part of cost-cutting measures to address significant financial losses at the college. Milloy expressed surprise at the decision to close and sell the campus, as the initial announcement in 2009 was meant to establish a permanent educational facility.
The closure will impact various programs, including business, health, and trades, which will be relocated to Algonquin College’s Ottawa campus. This move has raised concerns about accessibility to training opportunities for students in the Perth area. Former ministers Milloy and Baird have called for heritage trades training to continue at the Perth campus, suggesting potential operators like former Shopify executive Toby Shannon.
The decision to close and sell the campus was attributed to financial challenges resulting from reduced international student permits and a cap on tuition fees. Algonquin College cited a projected deficit of $2.1 million for the Perth campus in the current fiscal year.
Former Perth campus professor Cathy McNally highlighted the importance of the campus in providing education and employment opportunities to the community. Both Milloy and Baird have urged the provincial government to intervene and prevent the privatization of the campus for commercial purposes.
However, a spokesperson for Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn clarified that the province has no authority over the sale of the campus, as Algonquin College is an independent entity. The spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to collaborating with the college to ensure quality education for students in eastern Ontario.
The property sale of the Perth campus is being managed by CBRE Limited on behalf of Algonquin College.
