News
Update on the Transition from Perth to Ottawa Campus
June 23, 2025
Dear colleagues,
As part of Algonquin College’s ongoing commitment to transparency and learner support, we are providing this update on the repatriation of academic programming and operations from the Perth Campus to the Ottawa Campus.
This transition follows the College’s decision to close the Perth Campus by August 2026 — a recommendation approved by the Board of Governors in February 2025. Since that time, preparations have been progressing according to plan to ensure a smooth, well-supported experience for both learners and employees. All academic programming and operations at the Perth Campus remain under the sole authority of Algonquin College.
Julie Beauchamp, Senior Vice President, Academic, is now leading the academic transition process, assuming overall responsibility for the Perth Campus effective immediately. She will be closely supported by Shaun Barr, Chair, Apprenticeship Training, Automotive and Mechanical Trades, along with a dedicated working group being established by Grant Perry, Acting Vice President, Finance and Administration. This interim leadership structure is designed to maintain strong continuity of operations at the Perth Campus while ensuring a thoughtful and well-coordinated approach to the campus closure.
As part of this transition, three programs currently offered at the Perth Campus will be relocating to the Ottawa Campus:
- Practical Nursing
- Heritage Carpentry and Joinery Diploma
- Business – Agriculture Diploma
The College’s priority remains on ensuring academic continuity, supporting learners and preparing each program for long-term success in its new setting.
Program Highlights
Heritage Institute – Heritage Carpentry and Joinery
Preparations are underway to relocate the Heritage Institute – the Heritage Carpentry and Joinery program – to the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) at the Ottawa Campus. This state-of-the-art facility is purpose-built to support innovation in skilled trades education and will offer learners modern, hands-on lab and workshop spaces that foster collaboration and applied learning.
As part of the move, planning is in progress to integrate select specialized tools and equipment from the Perth Campus to help maintain the program’s high standard of practical training.
In parallel, the College is actively engaging with new and existing partners in Ottawa and the National Capital Region to broaden opportunities for learners. These partnerships will help connect students with employers, heritage organizations and real-world restoration projects, offering relevant, applied experiences aligned with their training.
Practical Nursing
Practical Nursing learners will continue their studies, supported by the Ottawa Campus’s robust health sciences facilities, including simulation labs, expanded peer cohorts and a wide range of clinical placements. Depending on availability and program alignment, some learners may have the option to complete their final level at the Pembroke Campus.
Business – Agriculture
The Business – Agriculture diploma will retain its multi-modal delivery model while being anchored at the Ottawa Campus. Learners will gain increased access to business and entrepreneurship resources, applied research opportunities and professional networks in the Ottawa region, while continuing to explore the evolving relationship between agriculture and business innovation.
Ongoing Commitment to Learners
Throughout this transition, Algonquin College remains deeply committed to ensuring learners feel supported and informed every step of the way. Academic advisors and Student Support Services are available to help navigate academic planning, transition logistics and individual concerns. Learners are encouraged to contact their academic chair for questions specific to their program.
As this plan continues to move forward, the College’s focus remains clear: to ensure a positive and consistent learning experience, build on the strengths of each program and prepare learners for continued success in their chosen fields.
Campus Property
Algonquin College is continuing to move forward with the activities required to implement the Board of Governors’ approved decision to exit the Perth Campus and prepare the property for sale.
The Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES) has confirmed that the property may be sold to an external party, provided the sale follows an open, fair and transparent process in compliance with all relevant government policies.
To support this process, the College has engaged CBRE Limited, licensed real estate brokers, to lead the marketing, listing and advertising of the Perth property, as well as oversee the eventual sale. Further information will be shared once the property is formally listed on Realtor.ca.
The sale process is expected to conclude with a final closing date no later than Aug. 31, 2026.
Additional details regarding the future of the Perth Campus property will be shared once confirmed through the appropriate College channels, including myAC and the Operational Updates page.
Sincerely,
Julie Beauchamp
Senior Vice President, Academic
Grant Perry
Acting Vice President, Finance and Administration
Board of Governors Update
Feb. 24, 2025
In a message from Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé on Feb. 11, it was indicated that recommendations concerning mitigation measures would be brought before the College’s Board of Governors for a decision yesterday (Feb. 24). These included recommended program suspensions, the transfer of programs from the Perth Campus to the Ottawa Campus and the closure of the Perth Campus by the end of August 2026.
The Board of Governors approved the following:
- 37 academic programs, including 31 program suspensions and six campus-specific program offerings, will be suspended effective Fall 2025. Currently enrolled and Spring 2025 learners in these programs will be given the opportunity to complete their studies.
- The Perth Campus will cease operations by August 2026, with its three programs being relocated to Ottawa. Learners currently enrolled in these programs will be given the opportunity to complete their studies and graduate as per Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ guidelines.
As referenced in the President’s message – without interventions, Algonquin College is projected to incur a budget deficit, on a cash flow basis, of at least $60 million in 2025-2026, rising to $93 million by 2026-2027.
The College continues to review its operations to ensure a strong and sustainable future. These are difficult decisions, and efforts will be made to mitigate impacts on employees and learners as the institution addresses this unprecedented fiscal situation. Updates will continue to be provided, and appreciation is extended to all employees for their dedication during this challenging time.
Message from the President – Financial Challenges and Mitigation Measures
Feb. 11, 2025
Dear colleagues,
Our College community is built on the dedication and hard work of our employees; the steps we are taking now are not a reflection of that commitment, but rather a response to the changing environment in which we operate.
As discussed in my previous messages and at our January 16 Town Hall, Algonquin College, along with the entire post-secondary education sector, is facing unprecedented financial challenges. This is due in part to a prolonged and ongoing provincial government tuition freeze, chronic underfunding, and recent federal government immigration policy changes that negatively impact international enrolments.
The College needs to take immediate and substantial action to address this perilous fiscal situation. Without intervention, Algonquin College will incur a budget deficit, on a cash flow basis, of at least $60 million in 2025-2026, rising to $93 million by 2026-2027.
To ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the College, we are implementing mitigation measures immediately and taking decisive steps to reduce expenses, optimize resources, and explore new revenue opportunities. Note that while the measures announced this week will make an important contribution to closing the financial gap, it will not completely eliminate the projected deficit. Therefore, a Phase 2 is in progress to explore additional measures. This includes an Efficiency and Accountability Initiative undertaken with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to identify further mitigations that will help restore the College’s long-term fiscal health.
Read the full message (Feb. 11)
Message from the President – Fiscal Sustainability Update
Jan. 9, 2025
Dear learners and colleagues, In my message of November 7, I referenced 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.
Since issuing that message, the College’s Executive and Leadership teams have been undertaking a further thorough review of operations, and the following has become clear:
- A projected $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 $96million for 2026-27.
Given this situation, the College is developing plans to address this difficult fiscal reality. I would like to update you on our approach to managing these challenges.