Kawartha Lakes calls on federal, provincial help for Fleming College

DAN CEARNS The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The City of Kawartha Lakes is calling on the federal and provincial governments, to provide support to Fleming College’s Frost Campus in Lindsay, following the recent program suspension news.

At a meeting, on Tuesday, May 21st, councillors voted to approve a motion to call on provincial and federal ministries and representatives, to provide support and legislation towards the local campus which gives “the stability and resources, to support, maintain and expand on local academic programming and community workforce development.”

“We’ve heard deputations from students and a business owner. There’s no doubt this affects this community in a big way,” Deputy Mayor Charlie McDonald said. “This is bigger than us, but I think the trickle effect is something we need, to support the students and everyone going forward.”

In April, the college announced they would be suspending 29 of their programs.

Councillors also voted to receive a letter from, Fleming College President, Maureen Adamson.

The letter explained the programs were suspended, due to either “low projected domestic enrolment,” “zero projected domestic enrolment” or because they “are no longer financially sustainable with enrolment levels which do not cover the cost of delivery.”

“Ecosystems Management, and Fish and Wildlife, those are courses which are probably unique. There aren’t a lot of courses like that offered in Ontario or Canada. We were the number one environmental college,” Ward 2 Councillor, Pat Warren stated. “There isn’t a lot of data here and background. They’re blanket statements.”