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NewsOn 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.
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:
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.
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 EducationMayor 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:
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.”
Key Highlights
The Committee reviewed its Terms of Reference and confirmed the following roles:
Funding
The Fairview Regional College Transition Committee (FRCTC) has submitted a comprehensive proposal to Alberta Advanced Education outlining a community-led path forward to protect and renew post-secondary education and trades training in Fairview.
The proposal focuses on keeping the Fairview campus operating during a defined transition period while a long-term, sustainable model is finalized. At its core, the submission emphasizes preserving access to education for rural, northern, and Indigenous learners; supporting regional employers; and protecting an existing provincially funded training asset that has served the Peace Country for generations.
The proposal highlights strong demand for trades, agriculture, and healthcare training across Northwestern Alberta, alignment with provincial workforce priorities, and opportunities to partner with other post-secondary institutions to maintain and grow programming locally. It also underscores the importance of retaining instructional staff and infrastructure to ensure programs and training capacity are not lost during the transition period.
Developed through extensive collaboration, the submission combines data-driven analysis with on-the-ground feedback from municipalities, industry partners, education providers, and Indigenous communities throughout the region. This effort is not about saving a campus alone—it is about safeguarding educational opportunity, workforce development, and the long-term vitality of the Peace Region.
Next Steps
Alberta Advanced Education will now review the proposals received from the FRCTC and two other post-secondary institutions. Following the review, Alberta Advanced Education will inform FRCTC of their decision regarding future post-secondary programming and campus operations in Fairview. The FRCTC anticipates being able to share further updates as the review progresses, with additional information expected in early February.
Supporting This Work
Developing and submitting this proposal required significant professional and technical work, including legal, financial, and policy analysis. These costs are not funded by the Province and have been covered through municipal and community support to date.
While this submission represents an important milestone, the work is ongoing. Continued legal, financial, and planning support is required as discussions with the Province move forward. The FRCTC is seeking continued community and partner support to help offset these professional costs and ensure the committee can effectively participate throughout the review process.
If the future of the Fairview campus matters to you—whether as a student, employer, parent, alumni, or community member—your support can help. Donations directly support the professional work required to advocate effectively for the region.
To contribute, please visit the Town of Fairview Administration Office or call 780-835-5461. Cash, cheque, and credit card payments are accepted. Tax-deductible receipts will be provided.
Appreciation for Regional Support
The FRCTC extends sincere appreciation to the many municipalities, organizations, school divisions, industry groups, and Indigenous partners who provided letters of support. This strong regional response clearly demonstrates the value the Fairview campus holds for students, employers, and communities across the Peace Region.
Support was received from communities and organizations including the County of Northern Lights, Mackenzie County, MD of Fairview, MD of Peace, MD of Spirit River, Northern Sunrise County, Town of Fairview, Town of Falher, Village of Hines Creek, Village of Nampa, Alberta Pulse Growers, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, Community Futures Peace Country, Fairview & District Chamber of Commerce, Holy Family Catholic Regional School Division, Mighty Peace Tourism, Northern Gateway Public Schools, Peace Country Beef & Forage Association, Peace Region Economic Development Alliance, Peace River Chamber of Commerce, Peace River School Division, and Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta, among others.
Personal experiences are powerful. Whether you are:
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.
