Parry Sound councillors have unanimously voiced their disappointment in Canadore College’s decision to eventually close the local campus.
At a meeting on May 19, the majority of council took time to express their feelings on the May 12 announcement that Canadore College intends to “wind down” operations at the West Parry Sound campus.
“I think it is a huge mistake,” said Deputy Mayor Chris McDonald. “I really hope that they re-evaluate and that enough noise is made across the District, and we get the support of surrounding municipalities and stakeholders, to find a way to keep it open.”
Mayor Jamie McGarvey was equally disappointed, considering the fact the town purchased the property and worked with Canadore College to get the campus built.
“The building was built so that it could take a second floor. The hope was Canadore would expand the college opportunity here in Parry Sound and that the building could become much larger than what it is,” said McGarvey. “To have them walk away on this…is a real let down considering the efforts that this community went through to get a college campus here. There has been a lot of community money and support that went into it.”
Earlier this month Canadore College announced the impending closure of the West Parry Sound Campus as part of a series of organizational changes being made, including workforce reductions and service adjustments. Officials say while provincial funding announcements and advocacy efforts are positive, Canadore continues to face the impacts of lower enrolment and increased financial pressures.
“These are not decisions we make lightly,” says College President Dr. Sandra Efu. “They are necessary to ensure we are focusing our resources where they can have the greatest impact and to ensure Canadore remains strong, sustainable, and responsive to student and labour market needs into the future.”
With the West Parry Sound campus, officials say students will be supported through graduation and that there will be minimal disruptions to their ability to continue and complete their programs at the local campus.
Coun. Paul Borneman voiced concerns about the impact this closure could have on local healthcare, as the college trains personal support workers and nurses, many of whom end up employed in the community. Currently there are 11 PSW students at Canadore, eight of whom are intending to stay in Parry sound, and 17 practical nursing students.
“The long and the short of it is that this will pretty quickly, I think, have an adverse affect on the provision of health care locally and the cost of recruiting and training staff,” said Borneman.
Following a lengthy discussion, council approved an extensive motion which outlines the importance of the local campus, encourages Canadore officials to reconsider their decision, and lists a number of potential partners and opportunities to revitalize the campus and keep it operational.
“It is very disappointing, bewildering and surprising that this would happen in this community given the support that we have provided to them,” said Coun. Bonnie Keith.
The motion will be sent to Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith, Canadore President Sandra Efu, and all West Parry Sound municipalities and First Nations, among others.
