TRU Williams Lake campus (Image Credit: Thompson Rivers University)

By Michael Reeve

POTENTIAL CAMPUS CLOSURE

TRU Board of Governors to consider potential closure of Williams Lake Campus

Mar 26, 2026 | 3:13 PM

KAMLOOPS — Thompson Rivers University’s (TRU) Williams Lake campus is on the chopping block as the university continues to navigate what it calls a “period of unprecedented financial challenges.”

The university says it is still under “significant pressure” to reduce its costs primarily due to the Federal government’s January 2024 decision to limit the number of international students.

“An announcement of a phased closure provides a two-year window by which an alternative strategy or partnerships for the Williams Lake campus will be developed with Williams Lake First Nation, the City of Williams Lake and other regional and provincial partners,” the report reads.

From the Board of Governors Agenda

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In that report, a copy of which was provided to CFJC News, the TRU Board of Governors is being asked to approve three recommendations:

• approve Administration to launch of planning for 2026-2028 to reimagine post-secondary education in the Williams Lake region and Thompson Rivers University’s contribution to this; with a first report to the Board in June 2026 on project scope, governance, and initial scenarios;
• approve Administration to support the Board’s consultation with Senate on the closure and disposal of the grounds and facilities at TRU Williams Lake Campus; and
• approve the full closure and disposal of the grounds and facilities at the TRU Williams Lake campus by Spring 2028, and authorize Administration to take such action as may be necessary to complete such work.

The report to the board states that the proposed closure of the Williams Lake campus – which has been in operation since the 1970s – would not constitute a “withdrawal” from the region.

Board of Governors Agenda

If the recommendations are approved, the move would save the university approximately $3.5 to $4 million per year, the immediate impact is also expected to save TRU $2.6 million for the 2026/27 fiscal year.

The report also states that local stakeholders have been made aware of the possibility of the closure.

From the Board of Governors Agenda

From the Board of Governors Agenda

“From 2017/18 through to 2024/25, total enrolment at the Williams Lake campus has declined by 24 per cent. Based on the October 2025 projections from Integrated Planning and Effectiveness (IPE), enrolment is expected to drop another 9.5 per cent between 2024/25 and 2025/26 and a further 24 per cent between 2025/25 and 2026/27,” reads the report.

“While Indigenous student enrolment has decreased by 37% between 2017/18 and 2024/25, in 2024/25 Indigenous learners accounted for 39% of all students.”

The closure will also have an impact on staffing at the Williams Lake campus.

From the Board of Governors Agenda

It also states that the proposal will not result in the closure or elimination of any programs offered at the Williams Lake campus.

From the Board of Governors Agenda

If approved on Friday, the first two years of the process will focus on project planning.

“The first two years (2026–2027) would focus on project scoping, governance, and initial scenarios, with implementation options developed for subsequent years (2027–2029) aligned to lease expiry and transition realities,” reads the report.

The report does highlight a number of risks, accepting potential backlash from the decision.

From the Board of Governors Agenda

The report also states that “limited and confidential consultations” have taken place with regional leadership and partners to date. It also says the move carries risks – like potential backlash from the community and impacts on Indigenous relationships – though it notes a phased closure is preferable to more abrupt cuts later.

Friday’s TRU Board of Governors meeting is set to take place at 1:00 p.m. in the Clock Tower Boardroom.

– With files from Victor Kaisar/CFJC Today