After a higher education institution revealed its intention to shut down a campus in northwestern Alberta, individuals in the affected town expressed surprise and disappointment. Northwestern Polytechnic in Fairview, Alta., faced backlash from students following a decision by its board to close the satellite campus to concentrate on its Grande Prairie location.
The announcement to cease operations in Fairview was made on social media on the evening of Oct. 29 after a vote by the board of governors. The institution cited the need to address an anticipated budget deficit and stated that the Fairview campus would be closed at the end of the academic year.
Students, including first-year veterinary technology student Mackenzie Rigler, expressed distress over the news, with some feeling blindsided and uncertain about their next steps. Rigler shared her devastation and concerns about restarting her childhood dream program and having to move away from her family.
Rigler and her peers, currently in the midst of mid-term exams, have met with their dean but are still left with unanswered questions about course transfers and program continuity. The institution, in its announcement, highlighted that the Fairview campus was financially unsustainable and no longer aligned with student or industry needs. Board chair Shawna Miller emphasized the difficulty of the decision and the lack of sustainable scenarios for the campus.
Both the Municipal District of Fairview and the Town of Fairview are urging the province to halt the closure for a thorough review and open consultation. The community aims to explore options to keep the campus operational, potentially through collaboration with another educational institution.
Mayor Gord MacLeod of Fairview requested program continuity, asset retention, a financial audit, and rural program delivery best practice review from Advanced Education Minister Myles McDougall. The closure impact and the campus’s future will be discussed in a townhall meeting in Fairview.
Fairview-based programs are set to be transferred to Grande Prairie by Fall 2026, with current students receiving detailed information from their dean soon. Efforts are being made to preserve educational opportunities and seek regional input before the campus closure is finalized.