GEORGIAN COLLEGE CLOSING AND SELLING BRACEBRIDGE, ORILLIA CAMPUSES NEXT YEAR; CLASSES MOVING TO BARRIE SEPTEMBER 2026
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
BRACEBRIDGE — Georgian College’s president says “it’s the right decision” to close its Orillia and Muskoka Campuses.
Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney says “this is the wrong course of action.”
Today the college announced it will consolidate its Orillia and Muskoka campuses into the Barrie campus by fall 2026.
With both properties being sold.
The Orillia campus will close in summer 2026, with programs transitioning to Barrie starting in May.
The Muskoka campus will close in August 2026.
There is no impact on students’ graduation timelines or their ability to progress and complete their programs on time.
It follows an endorsement from the college’s board of governors last night and with a commitment to transparency for Georgian’s students, employees and the community.
The college says the decision comes after a comprehensive review of efficiencies, enrolment, labour-market trends, community impact and the college’s financial realities.
“This is a difficult decision that we know will be felt deeply by our students, employees and communities,” said Kevin Weaver, president and CEO of Georgian College. “Recognizing these are challenging times and the sector is experiencing a labour disruption, I still felt it was important to advise our community of the decision. It’s the right decision for the long-term sustainability of the college and the success of our students.”
Georgian College, like all public colleges in Ontario, must continually evaluate cost-savings opportunities, he said.
Adding the consolidation is expected to save the college approximately $23.5 million over the next five years. And the planned sale of the Orillia campus and residence, as well as Muskoka campus, will place the college on a stronger path toward financial sustainability.
The release says the consolidation also creates opportunities for students to access a wider range of services, interdisciplinary learning, a vibrant campus life in Barrie, and will provide connections with a broader network of employers.
And this may not be the end of changes.
Georgian is evaluating its campus network, including potential opportunities for the John Di Poce South Georgian Bay Campus, and building on the strengths of the Midland, Orangeville and Owen Sound campuses.
It claims uniting the Orillia and Muskoka programs in Barrie, Georgian can enhance the student experience, strengthen its financial position and ensure Georgian remains the region’s top choice for preparing students with career-ready skills, connecting employers to the talent pipeline they need.
“The Orillia and Muskoka campuses have played an integral role in Georgian’s story,” said Weaver. “While our physical footprint will be smaller, our commitment to these regions remains strong through partnerships, community initiatives and ongoing support for students. This decision helps Georgian continue delivering high-quality programs and impactful outcomes for students and communities.”
Muskoka campus offered housing, health care courses
“This is deeply upsetting news for both our local students and the community,” Maloney said in a statement in response.
He said Georgian College’s Muskoka campus in Bracebridge has been integral to the fabric of the community, bringing an important age demographic to the area and providing an option for students to receive formal education locally.
The campus has offered programs that directly align with Ontario’s housing and health care priorities, he added, like seven high-demand skilled construction trades, personal support work, and practical nursing.
“Its closure will be felt by local students, employers, and the many families who have relied on this campus as an accessible and affordable pathway to higher education.
“Also, since the Muskoka campus wasn’t the only one who received this disappointing news, the gap in education will be felt across all of Simcoe-Muskoka.
He said the decision “reflects the ripple effect of recent federal changes to international student policies and the province’s lack of sustainable, predictable funding for colleges.
“In my view, this is the wrong course of action. Instead of disinvestment, we should be strengthening local educational opportunities that directly support workforce development and community growth.”
He said while today’s news is discouraging, the Town of Bracebridge is committed to supporting a smooth transition for the future of the campus property. We will work with Georgian College and community partners to ensure the building continues to serve as a valuable asset for Bracebridge.
EMAIL: news@muskokatoday.com
31 years of TRUSTED ‘Local Online Journalism’
SINCE MAY 20, 1994
Twitter: @muskokatoday, Facebook: mclairmont1
SUBSCRIBE for $30 by e-transferring to news@muskokatoday.com
Mail cheque to MuskokaTODAY.com Box 34 Gravenhurst, Ont. P1P 1T5
And include your email address to get stories sent to your inbox
