Algonquin College moves to close Perth campus

The president of Algonquin College says the school's board of directors will be asked to consider closing its campus in Perth, Ont., in 2026 because of financial problems.

In a statement issued Thursday evening, Claude Brulé said the college is losing $32 million a year because of the federal government's cap on international study permits and the province's cap on tuition fees.

Algonquin had been hoping to enrol about 7,450 international students, but under those restrictions would only be able to welcome about 5,000, Brulé said. He didn't specify a time frame.

The board will be asked to consider the campus closure at a meeting on Feb. 24, he said. Under the recommendation, courses would end in Perth at the end of the 2026 spring term and be moved to Algonquin's Ottawa campus.

Brulé said a full review was launched in the fall with "a focus on minimizing impacts on employees and learners while maintaining our commitment to providing exceptional learning experiences for years to come."

"These are the most challenging fiscal times in the College's history," he wrote.

The campus on the eastern edge of Perth currently hosts about 350 students, according to the college. It was established in the 1960s, and the current building opened in 2011.

Algonquin touts the campus's heritage trades programs to help preserve and restore historic spaces, particularly involving woodwork. It also offers agriculture and nursing diplomas.

Algonquin College also has a campus in Pembroke.