Closures, consolidations on the way for two Conestoga campuses

Another round of changes is on the way to Conestoga College, with the college confirming the closure of part of its downtown Kitchener (DTK) campus.

It’s all in a move to tighten the budget as the college continues to struggle in the wake of federal and provincial caps on international students’ permits and enrollment.

The news broke online through a reported letter that was distributed to staff members on Tuesday, Apr. 15. It showed details of its plans to consolidate the programs offered across the two campuses into other nearby locations.

“We would like to inform you that with our tenant lease agreements will be expiring soon for 274 Colborne St. Brantford and 49 Frederick St. Kitchener locations, the following decisions have been made as part of our ongoing efforts to consolidate operations and better utilize our existing facilities,” said the college in the letter.

It’s all expected to take place just before and through the summer, with the Brantford campus lease expiring on May 1 and the DTK campus lease expiring on Aug. 30.

The Brantford campus mainly offers diploma and certificate programs in business, community services, and more, while the Kitchener DTK Campus focuses on programs with the School of Applied Computer Science and Information Technology, offering education to over 4,000 students.

Students and staff at the Brantford campus will reportedly shift to the 50 Wellington St. location. Programs offered at the DTK campus will be transitioned to 1 Young St. in Kitchener.

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In both cases, the college said it expects “little to no disruption to staff and students during these relocations.”

It’s the latest in a string of controversial news stemming from the college, with reported cuts to staff and more potential layoffs still on the way, along with President John Tibbits receiving an over 28 per cent pay increase last year, according to the Sunshine List.

“We understand these changes may come with questions, and we are committed to making both transitions as smooth as possible for everyone. Specific transition details, including workspace arrangements and any support resources, have been shared with employees directly.”

Conestoga College provided the following statement to CityNews Kitchener:

“The college’s leases at 274 Colborne Street in Brantford and 49 Frederick Street in Kitchener will soon expire providing Conestoga with a chance to look at operational efficiencies and opportunities to better utilize our existing facilities.

In downtown Kitchener, academic-related operations will transition to 1 Young Street. Development of student housing continues at 22 Frederick Street which involves conversion of a 12-story vacant office.

In Brantford, operations will move to 50 Wellington Street.

Conestoga has also announced a partnership with the Grand Erie District School Board for the launch of the first College-Within-a-School program in Ontario. The licensed agreement between Grand Erie and Conestoga will allow for significant renovations at the Tollgate Technical Skills Centre (TTSC), including a dedicated wing of the school. Conestoga will invest in renovations, incorporating technology and resources to ensure a high-quality learning experience at TTSC, located at 112 Tollgate Road.

Conestoga will relocate programs currently delivered at the Brantford Airport to TTSC to offer students a seamless transition into post-secondary education. This also enables the college to offer a broader range of programming.

Other capital development projects are still underway at Conestoga. Phase 2 of the Conestoga Skilled Trades Campus in Cambridge will welcome students in fall 2026. Once complete Conestoga’s trades campus will be among the largest in Canada.

The college will also welcome students to its new location in Stratford at 60 Erie Street this fall. Extensive renovations have been made at the Waterloo campus as well and our new esports arena is expected to open there in fall 2025.”