Town of Perth Reaffirms Strong Support for Maintaining Post-Secondary Education in Perth

The Town of Perth is reaffirming its continued, long-standing support for maintaining post-secondary education on the Algonquin College Perth Campus property, following recent public discussion about the site's future.

Since Algonquin College announced its impending closure of the Perth Campus, the Town has engaged in proactive advocacy behind the scenes. This has included meetings with the local MPP and provincial representatives, participation in discussions at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, and providing a signed letter of support to assist with meetings at Queen’s Park. Senior staff and members of Council have consistently offered their support to efforts aimed at continuing post-secondary education opportunities in Perth.

“We want the community to know that Perth has been, and continues to be, strongly invested in seeing education remain at this site,” says Mayor Judy Brown. “Council’s actions, motions, advocacy, and discussions over the past months speak clearly to that commitment.”

That commitment was further demonstrated on November 25, 2025, when Council unanimously passed a comprehensive motion recognizing the Perth Campus as a vital public asset. The motion highlighted the exceptional value of trades and heritage programming offered in Perth, the significant public investment made in the campus over time, and the importance of protecting post-secondary access for rural residents. Each member of Council spoke in support of maintaining education on the site.

Planning Considerations and Zoning Request

At the Town Council meeting on November 25, 2025, Council received a delegation request to rezone the property to “Private School Only.” Following a detailed legal and planning review, Council determined that:

• A private school is already a permitted use within the current zoning.
• Initiating a site-specific rezoning for a proponent who is not the property owner is not typical planning practice and carries planning and legal risks.
• Limiting the property to a single use could reduce its marketability and long-term viability and expose the Town to potential appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
• The recommended approach is to maintain the current zoning, offer due diligence information to interested parties, and work collaboratively with the successful purchaser through the standard planning and approvals process.

Based on this information, Council supported maintaining the current zoning status at this time.

Commitment to Collaboration

The Town remains fully committed to supporting efforts to continue trades and heritage education in Perth. Maintaining access to post-secondary programming remains a shared goal among Council, staff, community members, and local partners.

“Our priority has always been to see education continue in Perth,” says Mayor Judy Brown. “We’re committed to supporting those working toward that goal and will continue to do everything we can to help move this vision forward.”

Next Steps

The Town will continue to provide its support and follow developments related to the sale of the campus. Residents may review Council materials, including the November 25 motion, through the Town’s website.