Georgian College to temporarily pause operations at John Di Poce South Georgian Bay Campus, effective Sept. 1

May 14, 2025

Georgian, like many other colleges across the province, is navigating a complex set of challenges – including persistent declines in international enrolment due to federal policy impacts on international student recruitment, and a provincial funding model that hasn’t kept pace with institutional needs. In response, the college’s latest decision is to temporarily pause operations at its John Di Poce South Georgian Bay (SGB) Campus in Collingwood, effective Sept. 1, 2025. 

After years of declining enrolment at this location, it has become increasingly difficult to offer an unrivaled experience to the small number of students the campus currently serves. 

This temporary pause will allow us to reassess our operations and possible future offerings in South Georgian Bay so we can continue to effectively serve students, employers and our communities. Part of our assessment will include considering local and regional demographic trends, industry and community employment opportunities, and plans for development and programming already offered at other Georgian campuses in proximity to SGB, balancing short-term needs and long-term possibilities.

Kevin Weaver, President and CEO, Georgian College

The decision is part of the college’s broader and strategic efforts to strengthen its impact through a multi-campus strategy. Through this work, Georgian strives to meet the access needs of learners while supporting regional economic and social development priorities in fiscally responsible and sustainable ways. 

“We remain deeply committed to meeting the needs of the South Georgian Bay community through workforce development, industry partnerships and regional economic growth,” added Weaver. 

At this time, Georgian doesn’t have a set timeline for how long the pause in operations will last.  

A full transition plan is underway to support impacted students and employees. Approximately 90 full- and part-time postsecondary incoming and returning students, primarily in the Social Service Worker and Personal Support Worker programs, are impacted by this decision and all have been notified of the change.  

Georgian is working with the individuals to ensure they understand how the changes affect them and what options are available, including opportunities to continue their studies at another campus. All programs in South Georgian Bay are offered at other Georgian campuses and programming will continue as planned for the 2025-26 academic year in Barrie, Midland, Muskoka, Orangeville, Orillia and Owen Sound. 

This announcement follows other organizational changes Georgian has shared since September in response to challenges and uncertainty in the postsecondary sector.