Algonquin College is planning to shut down and sell the Perth Campus, putting an end to decades of skilled trades training and post-secondary education in our community.
The Perth Campus has been a vital part of our community since 1970 and provides the only post-secondary education in Lanark County, contributing to our local culture and economy.
In 2009, the federal and provincial governments recognized the need for the enhancement of heritage trades in Perth, committing nearly $10M of taxpayers’ money for an expansion of the Perth Campus to ensure its long-term future.
This is a critical community asset and should not be sold for development.
Together, we can save our campus and keep skilled trades education thriving in Perth.
Sign up below to make your voice heard, stay informed, and help stop the sale.
There is a solution worth fighting for and we need your help.
Led by life-long Perth resident and former Shopify COO, Toby Shannan, a local team is working to preserve and transform the campus into a new, non-profit centre for heritage construction and skilled trades education.
But we need to first stop the SALE!
We need your help to show the Ontario government that this campus matters—to our community, to the trades, to our young people, and to the future of our region.
We need you to contact The Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Hon. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, and John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. Tell them to stop the sale and support Toby’s proposal to keep trades training alive in Perth.
Every message counts.
Key Points to make:
The more people they hear from, the more likely the Ontario government is going to act.
Former Dean of the Campus and an advocate for the Save Perth College campaign
"The vision to create the Perth College would maintain this one-of-a-kind, purpose-built facility for heritage craft training in masonry and carpentry with a nation-wide reputation. This would keep opportunities for our young people, strengthen our local economy and maintain and even enhance its use as a unique future pipeline of talent for the skilled trades."
Former professor at Perth College and Town of Perth Community Officer
"“I’m supporting this campaign because community stewardship is everything in a town like ours. Perth College has long provided a strong, grounded path for local students, educators and residents alike."
Mayor of Perth
""As Mayor of Perth, I am thrilled about Toby’s proposal for rejuvenation of Algonquin College. The facility will not only help fill the gap in trades, so much needed if the Province is to fulfil its housing objective, it will also contribute to the local economy."
Past-President of the Lanark-Leeds Home Builders’ Association, former student and professor at the Campus, and an advocate for the campaign
"The college is an important asset for the region, for local trades and for the community at large. For over 40 years, the Perth Campus has been a hub for Heritage and Construction trades training, attracting students from all over Canada, the United States and the world. The very worthy goal of saving the campus and in keeping skilled trades education alive and thriving in Perth is paramount. Whatever energies I can dedicate to this effort, I’ll happily do that.”
Mayor of Carleton Place and Warden of Lanark County
"The closure of the Perth Campus will leave a significant gap in Lanark County's ability to train and retain skilled workers. We are committed to working with the province to ensure this facility continues to serve the people of Lanark County in a meaningful way."
Order of Canada, Willowbank
“Preserving our heritage is vital, and Perth Campus does just that - empowering students and strengthening the community. I fully support the campaign to keep Perth Campus thriving.”
Read the full letter of support