The province is investing over $2.8 million to launch a new Bachelor of Community Planning program at Nipissing University.
Officials say the program will have a unique focus on small and mid-sized communities, northern regions and Indigenous communities.
“Northern Ontario is central to our province’s economic advantage, and we need the highly skilled planners to support strong, resilient northern communities,” says Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “By investing in the next generation of planning professionals for the North, our government is ensuring this region has the homegrown talent it needs to build more homes, highways, hospitals and other critical infrastructure we need to thrive.”
Officials say the program will also receive an investment of nearly $190,000 to fund 60 seats, as part of the government’s $75 million investment in Budget 2025 to train 7,800 more students for in-demand jobs in construction and planning.
“Today’s announcement marks an exciting milestone for Nipissing University and the communities we serve,” says Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor of Nipissing University. “As the only undergraduate planning program in Northern Ontario, our new Bachelor of Community Planning reflects our commitment to delivering responsive, relevant education connected to real-world needs. By combining strong academic foundations with practical, community-based experience, we are preparing graduates to help build sustainable, thriving, and inclusive communities across Northern Ontario and beyond.”
The first cohorts of students is expected in the fall of 2027.
“We know there’s demand for a Bachelor of Community Planning Program here in the North, and we’re pleased that, through collaboration with Nipissing University, the new program will come to fruition in 2027,” says Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “With the expansion of mining in the Northern regions, it’s never been more important to support communities with professional planners who have the skills to shape the future of our towns and cities as the industry continues to grow.”
