Georgian College and Schlegel Villages partner to redefine health education and the future of senior care
Nov. 9, 2026
Barrie, ON — Georgian College and Schlegel Villages are partnering to open a Living Classroom in fall 2027 at The Village of Innis Landing, a new 192-bed long-term care home under construction in Barrie.
A living classroom is an innovative learning model that connects classroom learning with authentic care experiences in a real long-term care community. Through this partnership, Georgian’s Practical Nursing and Personal Support Worker programs at Georgian’s School of Nursing will have the option to study in the Living Classroom alongside residents, faculty and industry professionals, building the practical skills and compassion needed to provide person-centred and holistic care.
We’re incredibly excited about this collaboration with Schlegel Villages and the opportunity to help shape the future of health care in our region. By bringing education directly into a real long-term care community, we’re preparing students for the realities of the workplace from the very beginning of their studies. This model strengthens the connection between education and industry, helping ensure graduates are better prepared to meet the evolving needs of our health-care system and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they care for.
– Sheila West, Vice President, Academic, Georgian College
Students who choose the Living Classroom will do most of their coursework and hands-on learning on site. They’ll continue to have access to resources and services at their home campus.
According to Georgian’s new From Insight to Impact report, health-care roles are among the region’s fastest-growing occupations. Even as demand grows, workforce projections point to a shortfall of approximately 1,200 nurses across Georgian’s catchment area by 2031.
This collaboration presents an opportunity to help address those shortages and anticipate the emerging and complex needs of Canada’s aging population. Simultaneously, it creates a dynamic, hands-on learning environment where students in health, wellness and community-focused programs gain direct experience in person-centred care.
The initiative further positions Georgian as a leader in Health and Human Services education, integrating academic programming with real-world environments that support:
- Holistic Health and Human Services, including physical, emotional and social well-being.
- Experiential learning opportunities embedded within programs.
- Career-ready graduates equipped with in-demand skills.
- Applied innovation, with opportunities to explore new models of care.
Schlegel Villages, a recognized leader in long-term care and retirement villages living, brings a shared commitment to innovation and excellence in senior care.
In all the years we’ve been connected to the City of Barrie, we’ve enjoyed a wonderful partnership with Georgian College and have seen the strength of the graduates who’ve come to work with us. That partnership will only become more integrated when The Village of Innis Landing opens and Georgian students are immersed in Village Life to learn alongside our teams and the residents they support.
– James Schlegel, President and CEO of Schlegel Villages
Students across programs, including nursing, personal support worker (PSW) and related disciplines, will benefit from meaningful placements, mentorship and career pathways within Schlegel Villages. This partnership also creates opportunities for collaboration in applied research and the development of new approaches to care, strengthening both organizations’ roles as leaders in their fields.
At its core, the initiative reflects a shared vision: preparing future professionals to deliver compassionate, innovative care while enhancing quality of life for seniors.
In addition to the Living Classroom learning model, Practical Nursing and Personal Support Worker programs will also continue to be offered at Georgian’s Barrie, Orangeville and Owen Sound campuses.