Portage College Weighs Future of St Paul Campus as Right-Sizing Pushes Ahead

Portage College is moving closer to a major decision about the future of its St Paul campus, as aging infrastructure, rising costs and reduced demand for physical space have pushed the institution to consider shrinking its footprint — including the possibility of tearing down the existing building.

Why the Campus Is Under Review

The right-sizing project, launched in May 2024, is meant to align the College’s space needs with the way its programmes are now delivered. The St Paul building is nearly seven decades old and would require more than $6.6 million in repairs over the next five years, far beyond what the College can afford.
In-person enrolment has declined, hybrid delivery has increased and the College is staring at a projected $5-million deficit for the 2026-27 year, prompting leadership to reassess how much space is truly needed.

Demolition Only One Option

While demolition is being studied, it is not a foregone conclusion. Other possibilities include turning the building over to another organisation and renting back a smaller space, relocating programming into leased facilities elsewhere in St Paul, or reconfiguring parts of the residence building into classrooms and offices.
The residence itself is expected to remain in use; the College sees affordable student housing as a key piece of keeping education accessible in the community.

Tight Timelines Ahead

Finances dictate a short decision window. The College expects it will no longer be able to operate the current building after 1 July 2026. A recommendation is planned for late November, followed by tenders early in the new year. Demolition or relocation — depending on the final decision — would occur between March and June 2026.

Municipal Leaders Caught Off Guard

Local elected officials say the accelerated timeline came as a surprise. Earlier capital discussions had hinted at a replacement later in the decade, not a rapid wind-down of the existing site. Recent joint municipal meetings did not include representation from College leadership, leaving some questions unanswered at the local level.
So far, no formal proposals from the community have been submitted to counter the demolition option.

Programme Changes Already Underway

The Professional Cook Certificate programme will shift from St Paul to Lac La Biche next fall, part of a broader effort to place programmes where labour demand and student opportunities align. The change affects the two-year culinary diploma as well, which has operated in St Paul since 2014 through a mix of partnerships and grant funding.

Commitment to St Paul Remains

Even with the physical footprint under review, Portage College says its presence in St Paul is not ending. Many courses already blend in-person and online learning, allowing flexibility even if the campus size is reduced.
The goal, according to the College’s planning documents, is to maintain programming while ensuring long-term financial stability — a balance that may require the St Paul building to be replaced, repurposed or removed.

More details are expected in the coming weeks as the College finalises its recommended path forward.