Northern Lakes College Named Fairview's New Post Secondary Provider

In March, it was announced that Northern Lakes College will be offering post secondary education in the Town of Fairview in Fall 2026.

This announcement follows news that Northwestern Polytechnic would be closing its Fairview campus due to ongoing budget shortfall and concerns of financial sustainability.

Northern Lakes College, a provider of post secondary education in Northern Alberta for over 50 years, will assume responsibility for programming at the Fairview campus, a post secondary site that has served Northern Alberta for decades.

“Northern Lakes College is honoured to assume stewardship of the Fairview Campus and to continue serving learners across the region,” said Barry Sharkawi, Chair, Board of Governors, Northern Lakes College. “We deeply appreciate the confidence placed in us by the Ministry of Advanced Education and the strong partnership demonstrated by the Town of Fairview. This transition strengthens our shared commitment to ensuring that people in northwest Alberta have access to high quality, flexible and locally delivered education.”

In collaboration with the Ministry of Advanced Education and the Fairview Regional College Transition Committee—and in support of regional business and industry—programs offered will include apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship, resource technology, health, dual credit for high school students, numerous online programs and many opportunities for corporate training and support.

“Northern Lakes College is proud to support the Ministry of Advanced Education and the Fairview region in expanding access to transformative learning opportunities,” said Glenn Mitchell, President and CEO, Northern Lakes College. “As we assume stewardship of the Fairview campus, we are inspired by the potential this moment holds—for our students, our communities and the futures they are building. Together, we will create pathways that empower learners to grow, contribute and thrive.”

The Fairview campus has served generations of students across Northern Alberta for 75 years, and this announcement lays important groundwork for building a renewed institution that supports rural communities and Indigenous learners.

“Our government heard clearly how important Fairview campus is to students, families and the community,” said Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education. “As an established public comprehensive community college in Northern Alberta, Northern Lakes College’s program offerings at the Fairview Campus will provide stability for learners and create the foundation for a community-led future that reflects the needs and strengths of the Peace Country.”

Ensuring that post-secondary programming continues in Fairview beginning in September 2026 through Northern Lakes College is an important step in maintaining opportunities for students and employers across Northern Alberta.