CAPILANO UNIVERSITY
CapU to close campus in Sechelt and reimagine learning options for Sunshine Coast students

Capilano University (CapU) will permanently close its kalax-ay | Sunshine Coast campus in Sechelt as part of a transition to a more flexible and sustainable approach to serving learners on the Sunshine Coast and to address budget pressures. The campus location is set to close on April 24, 2026.

After extensive review of enrolment trends, infrastructure needs and fiscal realities, the University has determined that maintaining the current campus model is no longer viable. Despite sustained efforts to revitalize the site through new programs, community partnerships and outreach, on-campus participation has remained low while operating and maintenance costs have continued to rise. 

Employees and students have been notified about the campus closure. There will be no disruption to students currently enrolled in programs at the kalax-ay | Sunshine Coast campus. Future course planning information will be shared in the new year, and student services remain available to support inquiries and any concerns. 

While the closure represents the loss of a facility, CapU is still keen to explore other ways to support learners on the Sunshine Coast particularly in areas such as health, early childhood education, adult basic education, and Indigenous language and culture courses where there is sufficient student demand and alignment with local labour market needs  

"CapU remains deeply committed to the Sunshine Coast and to the learners, partners and communities who have engaged with our kalax-ay campus for many years," said Laureen Styles, interim president and vice-chancellor. "While the decision to decommission the facility is difficult, it reflects our responsibility to ensure that educational access is sustainable, modern, and responsive to today's learners. We look forward to building new pathways for learning shaped by community input that will continue to support the Sunshine Coast's economic and social vitality." 

The closure of the kalax-ay | Sunshine Coast campus is one of several decisions related to CapU's deficit mitigation as the University continues to feel the impact of last year's international education policy changes. Currently, CapU is projecting a budget deficit for 2026/27 with ongoing work to further address the deficit. The administration is focused on building financial resilience through sustainable operations and continues to explore all options, including vacancy reviews, early retirement incentives, program and course reductions or discontinuances, project pauses, and revenue generation.