Hundreds of individuals, including the Premier, gathered in Fairview, Alberta, as Northern Lakes College (NLC) officially assumed control of a post-secondary institution that was previously facing closure. The ownership of the Fairview campus was transferred from the former provider, Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), to the Alberta government earlier in the summer. Situated approximately 560 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, the town and campus underwent a transition marked by the replacement of NWP signage with NLC’s branding, featuring their distinctive blue and green colors, in preparation for the commencement of courses in September.
During the grand opening ceremony, Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged the community’s resilience in refusing to accept the potential closure of the campus last fall, emphasizing the significance of continuing post-secondary learning in Fairview. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the campus is set to embark on a new chapter under NLC’s stewardship, with plans for online courses and trades programming slated to commence in September, followed by healthcare training offerings in early 2027.
NLC’s President and CEO, Glenn Mitchell, expressed a commitment to a long-term presence in Fairview, highlighting the organization’s intent to expand programs based on community and local industry feedback. Meanwhile, the Fairview Regional Campus Society (FRCS), a newly established local non-profit entity, aims to assume stewardship responsibilities of the campus by May 2027, with NLC continuing as the education provider while FRCS oversees day-to-day operations. The society envisions forming partnerships with additional education providers to shape the future of the Fairview campus.
In a significant development, Lakeland College, another Alberta-based post-secondary institution, announced its intention to partner with the Fairview campus to offer its vet technician program starting in September 2027. Lakeland College’s President and CEO, Alice Wainwright-Stewart, emphasized the program’s specialized requirements and the need for accreditation and regulatory processes. This collaboration received positive feedback from FRCS Vice President and Municipal District of Fairview deputy reeve John Przybylski, who emphasized the demand for veterinary technology programs in the province and hinted at potential agricultural offerings in the future.