‘Challenging fiscal times’: Algonquin College to close Perth campus

Algonquin College’s Perth campus is set to close by the end of August, 2026.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, employees and students at the campus were informed that a recommendation for the closure will be tabled at the Board of Governors meeting next month.

“This is an extremely difficult decision that is not taken lightly and is a direct result of the financial challenges we are facing,” stated Algonquin College’s President and CEO Claude Brulé.

Brulé noted that the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and provincial funding shortfalls that have created unprecedented financial challenges for the entire post-secondary sector, including Algonquin College.

The college is projecting a $32 million loss in revenue in the current fiscal year 2024-25. Without mitigation measures to change course – on a cash flow basis – the college anticipates a deficit of $60 million for 2025-26, increasing to $96 million for 2026-27.

“These are the most challenging fiscal times in the college’s history,” Brulé said. “I understand how morale is being negatively impacted and employees and learners may be feeling concerned and anxious as they await updates. 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.”

He noted that the college will continue to review additional fiscal mitigation measures. A full review of programs of study, as well as administrative and support services has been ongoing since early fall with a view to focusing resources on core operations.

“Every area of the college is being reviewed and will be impacted,” Brulé said. “Details of these additional measures will be finalized soon and will be communicated directly to the college community.”

Programs at the Perth Campus will remain active until the end of the 2026 spring term, at which point they will be transferred to the Ottawa Campus. The college is planning to complete this transition and cease operations at the Perth Campus by the end of August 2026.

“Every effort will be made to mitigate impacts on employees and learners during this transition,” Brulé said.