Save Fairview Campus

NWP Fairview Campus Closure

On October 29, 2025, Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) announced the upcoming closure of the Fairview Campus at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.

For more than seventy years, the Fairview Campus has been at the heart of our community - educating generations of students, supporting local industries, and providing opportunities to people across northern Alberta and beyond. It has helped shape the identity of Fairview and has been a source of pride and purpose for our region. The campus is not just an educational institution; it is an anchor for our local economy, a gathering place for innovation, and a symbol of what rural Alberta can achieve when education is accessible close to home.

The loss of this campus would reach far beyond Fairview. It would mean fewer opportunities for youth to learn and stay in the region, fewer skilled workers for northern industries, and the erosion of a legacy that communities like ours have built over generations.

For Northwestern Polytechnic's full announcement and transition information, visit: NWP.me/Sustainability.

Our Position

The Town of Fairview maintains firm opposition to the intended closure.

In alignment with and full support of the Municipal District of Fairview No. 136, the Town of Fairview is advocating that a moratorium be placed on the decision to closure, to allow time for full review and open consultation. Further, that all programs and courses continue as planned, and that no assets be removed from campus, until the following actions have been completed:

  1. A full review of the decision to close the campus,
  2. Consultation with all stakeholders on future options for the Fairview Campus,
  3. A third-party financial audit, and
  4. A third-party review of best practices for rural program delivery.

The Town of Fairview is advocating that more time and resources to be allocated toward developing options before NWP closes the Fairview Campus, including the opportunity for meaningful regional consultation, which was not provided during the initial decision. The Town of Fairview is ready to work collaboratively to ensure that access to education remains in northern Alberta and that rural communities like Fairview continue to thrive.

Our Commitment

The Municipal District is committed to advocating for the long-term availability of post-secondary education in Fairview. We will continue to take proactive steps to ensure the Fairview Campus remains a priority for key stakeholders and decision-makers.

Read Our Letter to the Minister of Advanced Education

Recent Updates

Update Regarding the Fairview Campus

Mayor Gord MacLeod received a letter from the Minister of Advanced Education regarding the future of the Fairview College campus. The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by the Town of Fairview and recognized the longstanding importance of the campus in our community, industries, and northern Alberta as a whole.

The Minister stated that:

  • Current programs at the Fairview Campus will continue until at least August 1, 2026, so students can complete their current academic year.
  • All campus assets will remain in Fairview during this time.
  • Advanced Education will conduct a full financial analysis of the Fairview Campus to inform next steps.
  • Three post-secondary institutions have been asked to explore possible opportunities and must engage directly with our local leadership.

This update shows that our ongoing advocacy is making an impact, but key decisions about the future of the campus, its programs, and long-term plans remain unanswered. We will continue pushing for clarity, commitments, and a transparent plan that truly supports our entire region. Your voice continues to make a difference. The PETITION is still available across Fairview and the Peace Country. Check out Save Fairview Campus for all the locations. Please sign and encourage others to do the same. We’ve been heard, but we still need clear answers and strong action.

*Please note due to the classification of the letter, we do not have permission to post it publicly.”

Fairview Regional College Transition Committee Meeting November 28, 2025

The Fairview Regional College Transition Committee (FRCTC) held its first official meeting on November 28, 2025. This new regional committee was formed to speak with one unified voice about the future of the Fairview Campus and to develop a strong proposal for long-term, community-aligned post-secondary education in our region. The committee consists of one member each from the Town of Fairview, Municipal District of Fairview No. 136, Village Of Hines Creek, Clear Hills County, Municipal District of Peace 135, Heart of the Peace Investment Coop, as well as, 7 members at large.

Key Highlights

The Committee reviewed its Terms of Reference and confirmed the following roles:

  • Chair: Gord MacLeod
  • Vice-Chair: Heather Kerschbaumer
  • Media & Communications: Jenna Armstrong (ecdev@fairview.ca)
  • Legal Coordinator: Tegan Martin Drysdale (will begin work with Field Law)
  • Post-Secondary Institution Preparation Coordinator: John Przybylski
Advanced Education officials are planning a visit to Fairview December 8–9 for continued discussions (dates to be confirmed).
Work has begun on outlining what a future “Fairview Regional College” could look like—including structure, programming, and governance. An advisory group of post-secondary experts will be established to support this work.

Funding

To advance legal, financial, and administrative planning, the Committee identified the need for $40,000 in 2025 and $35,000 in 2026. Please note, these funds will be raised through donations—not through Town of Fairview tax revenue. If you would like to help the committee raise funds to advance planning, you can donate by:
  • Cash or cheque at the Town Hall on December 4th
  • Cash, cheque, or credit card accepted at the Town of Fairview Administration Office (or by calling 780-835-5461)
  • Donations can be mailed to the Town Office at: Box 730, Fairview, Alberta, T0H 1L0
  • Cheques payable to: Town of Fairview
* Tax receipts are available
The Committee is committed to transparent, ongoing updates as we work toward a stable, long-term solution for the Fairview Campus.
Next meeting: December 5, 2025.

Share Your Story

Personal experiences are powerful. Whether you are:

  1. A student or alumnus,
  2. A local employer,
  3. A staff or faculty member, or
  4. A resident who values regional access to education—

Tell your story. Explain why the Fairview Campus matters and what losing it would mean to you. Your story can be shared with elected officials, the media, or directly with the Town of Fairview. Email your story to: ecdev@fairview.ca.

Stay Updated

For more information on this community-led initiative, visit: Or email the initiative directly at: info@savefairviewcampus.ca.
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