Northern British Columbia — Over the past 10 weeks, Coast Mountain College has shared its plans to restructure and refocus operations within its operating budget with an overall reduction of $4M, due to the sharp decline in international student enrolment. Balancing the budget for 2026 has meant a 20% workforce reduction across all employee groups and restructuring of operations across the college region.
On October 20th, CMTN announced that the Hazelton campus will cease operations as of June 30, 2026 as part of the plan to lower overhead costs. The college will continue to provide educational opportunities in Hazelton and the surrounding areas through existing community spaces on an as-needed basis. The mobile training unit will also be deployed to the region for future trades and academic offerings. Currently scheduled programs, including Introduction to Gitksanimx Language and Carpentry Foundations, will run as planned in 2026, providing there is sufficient enrolment.
“While we are very sad to see our Hazelton campus close, we will continue to serve the region in other ways,” said Dr. Laurie Waye, President and CEO. “Coast Mountain College will have a part-time employee in Hazelton to support students in-person from a local office and education offerings will continue to be available in local communities, based on interest and demand for courses and programs.”
During the most recent CMTN Board of Governors closed-door meeting, the Board reviewed and agreed to the recommendation to sell the Hazelton campus building and land following its closure.
CMTN is now working with the Government of BC’s Ministry of Infrastructure to sell the Hazelton campus to another government agency or public sector service provider. Proceeds from the sale will be put aside in retained earnings, to be used for future capital projects that will benefit students across northwest BC, as per provincial regulations.
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Media Contact:
Heather Bastin
Executive Director, External Relations
hbastin@coastmountaincollege.ca
250-635-6511 ext. 5494