Selkirk College is permanently closing the Victoria Street Campus at the end of the current academic year as it continues to address financial pressures from federal restrictions on international student enrolment.
Guided by its strategic plan, Land Learning & Legacy: Our Path to 2040, the college is taking steps to mitigate an anticipated ongoing budget shortfall of $3-4 million in 2026-2027 and build lasting financial stability.
"The Board of Governors recognizes that closing the Victoria Street Campus is a difficult but necessary step to ensure the long-term sustainability of Selkirk College," says Board Chair Amed Naqvi. "We've made this decision because we're committed to managing our finances responsibly, while making sure we're offering programs that help students build strong careers. And we're confident that Selkirk College will keep inspiring and preparing learners to meet the changing needs of our region, today and for generations to come."
After the campus closure, the college will suspend intakes in the Ceramics, Textile Arts, and Blacksmithing programs housed at the campus. All students currently enrolled in these programs will be supported through to graduation. The college is working closely with unions and impacted employees.
"This has been a very hard decision, but the cost to deliver these programs and maintain a standalone campus just isn't feasible," says President Maggie Matear. "The program capacity limits and the space and infrastructure requirements put financial sustainability out of reach."
Selkirk College began operating the Victoria Street Campus in 2006, when it absorbed the Kootenay School of the Arts (KSA). The arts school, established in 1958, was facing the threat of closure.
"While the college's chapter as the stewards of KSA is coming to a close," continues Matear, "we're confident its 67-year legacy of local arts training will continue through other innovative channels in the community."
Along with the Victoria Street Campus, the college maintains two campuses in Nelson and campuses in Castlegar, Trail and Grand Forks.
