The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce is calling on the community to speak up and help save the local college campus.
“The decision to close Canadore College’s Parry Sound Campus in late April/early May of next year is one that will be felt across our entire region – by students, families, employers, healthcare providers, local businesses, and future generations of workers,” states a call to action made by the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce on social media.
“This campus is more than a place of learning. It is a pathway to opportunity right here at home. For West Parry Sound, local access to programs like Practical Nursing and Personal Support Worker training is critical. These programs help support the workforce pipeline for the West Parry Sound Health Centre, long-term care, home care, retirement living, and other essential healthcare services in our area.”
On May 12, Canadore College officials announced their intentions to “wind down” operations at the West Parry Sound campus, citing lower enrolment and increasing financial pressures. According to officials, students will be supported through graduation next spring.
In response to this impending closure, the local Chamber of Commerce is pushing back, and asking all levels of government, Canadore College decision makers, municipalities, local businesses, community stakeholders and residents to recognize what is at stake.
“We need voices from across West Parry Sound to speak up and share why this campus matters,” continues the call to action.
“With the right partnerships, this campus could strengthen workforce development in skilled trades, aviation, marine and Coast Guard-related sectors, early childhood education, business, tourism, and more. These are real needs in our community, and this campus has the potential to be part of the solution.”
Chamber of Commerce officials have developed a Community Advocacy Toolkit, which includes a list of core talking points and questions to direct at government representatives and Canadore officials, along with contact information for 25 people.
The toolkit can be accessed online. To request a PDF copy, email manager@psachamber.ca.
