A recent delegation to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference has yielded promising developments for the future of the Algonquin College Perth campus, following the announcement of its closure earlier this year.
During the AMO Conference held August 17-20, Lanark County entrepreneur Toby Shannan presented a proposal to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skilled Trades Development advocating for the adaptive reuse of the campus as a skilled trades training centre. The presentation emphasized the urgent need to maintain local access to trades education, which will be disrupted by the campus closure.
Pictured: In back row, Councillor Judy Brown (Perth Mayor), Warden Toby Randell (Carleton Place Mayor), Toby Shannan, Councillor Richard Kidd (Beckwith Reeve), Councillor Karen Jennings (Montague Reeve), Councillor John Matheson (Drummond North Elmsely Councillor), Councillor Peter McLaren (Lanark Highlands Reeve), Councillor Brian Dowdall (Beckwith Deputy Reeve), Councillor Bill King (Lanark Highlands Deputy Reeve), Councillor Christa Lowry (Mississippi Mills Mayor), and Lanark-Frontenac- Kingston MPP John Jordan. In front row is Minister of Labour, Immigration, Trade and Skills Development David Piccini and staff along with Skilled Trades Ontario CEO Candice White.
The proposal received strong interest from Minister David Piccini, who connected Shannan with a representative from Skilled Trades Ontario to explore next steps. Discussions focused on aligning training programs with industry needs and securing apprenticeship opportunities with local industries. A follow up meeting is being scheduled to discuss the designation of the site as a "Training Delivery Agent" under the Ministry's framework.
Lanark County Warden Toby Randell supported the delegation, emphasizing the urgency of the initiative: "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."
Other County Council members and Town of Perth Councillors, along with County staff also joined the delegation, reinforcing the County's commitment to sustaining rural education infrastructure and addressing workforce gaps.
Lanark County Council had previously endorsed the delegation request in its May 21 meeting, identifying the reuse of Algonquin College as a priority issue for provincial engagement.
