Georgian College will be closing its Muskoka and Orillia campuses and consolidating them into the Barrie campus by the fall of 2026.
The decision, announced on Sept. 26, follows an endorsement from the college’s Board of Governors during a meeting on Sept. 25.
“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.”
Both campuses are scheduled to close next summer. Officials said the closures will have no impact on students’ graduation timelines or their ability to complete their programs on time.
According to officials, the campus closures and consolidation are expected to save the college approximately $23.5 million over the next five years. This, combined with the planned sale of the Orillia campus (and residence) and the Muskoka campus, is projected to place the college on a stronger path toward financial sustainability.
“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.”
Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney said Georgian College’s Muskoka campus 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.
“Unfortunately, this 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,” said Maloney.
According to officials, the consolidation will enhance the student experience by providing access to a wider range of services and ensuring the college remains the region’s top choice for preparing students with career-ready skills and connecting employers to the necessary talent pipeline.
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