News travelled fast through Orillia and Muskoka: Georgian College will shutter both campuses by summer 2026, sending programs and students to Barrie in a move that signals the end of an era—and the start of something new.
Georgian College’s decision to close its Orillia and Muskoka campuses, endorsed by the board of governors, emerged after a detailed internal review of financial pressures, enrolment trends, and shifting labour-market realities across Ontario. As students absorb the change, the college promises a seamless transition, with all graduation timelines protected and programs set to migrate beginning in May 2026.
Kevin Weaver, president and CEO, did not mince words. Calling it a “difficult decision that we know will be felt deeply by our students, employees and communities,” he stressed the necessity of action to secure the institution’s long-term sustainability. The move comes at a time when public colleges province-wide are confronting tough choices about efficiency and financial health.
Numbers tell part of the story. By consolidating to Barrie, Georgian expects to save approximately $23.5 million over five years. The sale of both the Orillia and Muskoka campuses and related residences is projected to bolster the college’s financial footing, a crucial step in adapting to the realities facing post-secondary education today.
Yet, for the college’s leadership, this is not simply an exercise in cost-cutting. The shift aims to offer students broader services, enhanced interdisciplinary learning, and increased access to employment connections in Barrie’s vibrant academic environment. Georgian’s ongoing review of its entire campus network, including sites such as Midland, Orangeville, and Owen Sound, hints at further evolution ahead.
While the physical footprint in Orillia and Muskoka will shrink, Weaver underscored that Georgian’s commitment to these regions will endure through partnerships and community support. The echoes of these campuses’ history will not fade quietly, but the college insists its resolve to deliver quality programs and student outcomes remains unshaken.
References:
‘Difficult decision’: CEO says college plans to sell Orillia, Muskoka campuses
