A new chapter in more than 75 years of post-secondary education in Fairview was celebrated on August 25 as Northern Lakes College (NLC) officially marked its stewardship of the Fairview Campus with a community Grand Opening.
The transition ensures continued access to post-secondary education and training in Fairview, with Northern Lakes College offering programming that responds to the needs of learners, communities, and employers throughout the region.
Beginning in September, the Fairview Campus will support in-person learning opportunities, including pre-employment & apprenticeship trades and health-care programming, alongside Northern Lakes College's broad range of accessible distance-learning options.
The transition has been made possible through the significant support and investment of the Government of Alberta, together with the work of Northern Lakes College, community partners, and the Fairview Regional College Transition Committee. The Government of Alberta's commitment to maintaining access to post-secondary education and training in the region has been instrumental in establishing a sustainable, community-focused model for the Fairview Campus, with an emphasis on local input, responsive programming, and opportunities to make the best possible use of the campus for the community and region.
Northern Lakes College recognizes the significant history of the Fairview Campus and its role in supporting generations of students, families, employers, and communities across northern Alberta. As NLC assumes stewardship, the College looks forward to honouring that legacy while responding to the evolving education and training needs of the region.
"This is an exciting new chapter for Northern Lakes College and for the Fairview community. Reaching this milestone has been a truly collaborative effort, made possible by the commitment of our community partners and, most importantly, the Government of Alberta."
Dr. Glenn Mitchell, President and CEO, Northern Lakes College
The Grand Opening brought together community members, government representatives, post-secondary leaders, partners, and stakeholders to celebrate the transition and recognize the collaboration and investment that made it possible.
The formal program featured celebration remarks from provincial, municipal, and institutional leaders, led by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Premier Smith, joined by Minister of Advanced Education Myles McDougall, highlighted the province's commitment to regional workforce development and enhanced access to post-secondary education. Municipal District No. 136 Deputy Reeve John Pszybylski shared local community perspectives, followed by Lakeland College President Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, who offered collaborative remarks celebrating the regional partnership. Concluding the addresses, NLC Board Chair Barry Sharkawi and NLC President Dr. Glenn Mitchell spoke on the institution's campus operations and its future in the community, with speakers collectively emphasizing the extensive cooperation required to secure the campus's future under this new operating model.
Following the formal program and ribbon-cutting ceremony, community members were invited to explore the campus, meet Northern Lakes College staff, learn about programs and services, visit program learning sites, and participate in activities for the entire family.
The event marked both the continuation of Fairview's proud post-secondary legacy and the beginning of a new chapter for the campus with Northern Lakes College.
For more information
1201 Main Street SE
Slave Lake Alberta
Canada T0G 2A3
www.northernlakescollege.ca/
