In a surprise announcement, Georgian College yesterday, September 26th, said that it will consolidate its Orillia and Muskoka campuses into the Barrie Campus by Fall 2026.
This news follows an endorsement from the college’s Board of Governors on Thursday night and with a commitment to transparency for Georgian’s students, employees and the community.
The Orillia Campus will close in summer 2026, with programs transitioning to Barrie starting in May. The Muskoka Campus will close in August 2026. The decision comes after a comprehensive review of efficiencies, enrolment, labour-market trends, community impact and the college’s financial realities.
There is no impact on students’ graduation timelines or their ability to progress and complete their programs on time according to Georgian College Board.
According to the OriliaMatters however, several students said they had no notice of the proposed closing.
“I’m very, very shocked. What happens to the students? Will we have to apply somewhere else? Where do we go from here?”
“I chose this program because they have a whole vet clinic here. They haven’t told us anything. We don’t know anything.”
“I chose this program because it’s the closest to home. I can’t really afford to move,” said one of about 1,300 full-time students enrolled at the Orillia campus.
Another first-year student of psychology counselling, walked out of the Memorial Avenue campus building Friday to the news and said she had heard nothing about the closure.
The Orillia campus, home to programs in human services, community safety and veterinary studies, will close in the summer of 2026, with courses starting to transition as early as May while Muskoka’s Bracebridge campus will close in August of 2026.
The move, endorsed by the college’s board of governors the night of Thursday, September 25, comes as Georgian cites financial challenges, shifting enrolment, and labour market trends.
The consolidation is expected to save the college about $23.5 million over five years, with the planned sale of the Orillia and Muskoka properties adding to the institution’s bottom line.
According to a media release by Georgian College, “The consolidation also creates opportunities for students to access a wider range of services, interdisciplinary learning, a vibrant campus life in Barrie, and will provide connections with a broader network of employers.
Georgian continues to evaluate its campus network, including potential opportunities for the John Di Poce South Georgian Bay Campus, and building on the strengths of the Midland, Orangeville and Owen Sound campuses.
By uniting the Orillia and Muskoka programs in Barrie, Georgian can enhance the student experience, strengthen its financial position and ensure Georgian remains the region’s top choice for preparing students with career-ready skills, connecting employers to the talent pipeline they need.”
“The Orillia and Muskoka campuses have played an integral role in Georgian’s story,” said Kevin Weaver, President and CEO, in an open memo to employees. “While our physical footprint will be smaller, our commitment to these regions remains strong through partnerships, community initiatives and ongoing support for students. This decision helps Georgian continue delivering high-quality programs and impactful outcomes for students and communities.”
“This is a difficult decision that we know will be felt deeply by our students, employees and communities,” said Weaver. “Recognizing these are challenging times and the sector is experiencing a labour disruption, I still felt it was important to advise our community of the decision. It’s the right decision for the long-term sustainability of the college and the success of our students.”
According to OPSEU (Ontario Public Service Employees Union) that represents 180,000 workers across Ontario, “These closures will have devastating effects in Bracebridge and Orillia, shuttering opportunities in local communities, and forcing relocation to Georgian’s main Barrie campus.”
This decision brings the total campus closure announcements at Georgian College in this year alone to three, following an announcement in May, 2025 of the suspension of programs at the Collingwood campus.
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