Perth will ‘deeply feel the loss’ of Algonquin College campus, mayor says

Perth’s mayor expressed disappointment on Monday about the recent announcement that the town’s campus of Algonquin College is expected to close.

This decision comes as part of the college’s broader efforts to address significant financial challenges. Current students will be able to finish their programs, and the closure is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026.

The mayor noted that the campus has played a vital role in supporting education and skills development in a rural setting, making post-secondary education accessible to local residents, as well as those with a desire to attend a smaller campus.

“Algonquin College has been a cornerstone of our community since 1970,” Brown said. “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 noted that education opportunities in rural communities are essential, allowing people to learn, grow and thrive without leaving their hometowns.

“While we understand the fiscal realities faced by Algonquin College—including frozen tuition fees, funding gaps, and declining international student enrollment due to recent federal and provincial changes—we will deeply feel the loss of these programs and the campus as a whole.”