Algonquin College’s Perth campus is now up for sale, and former Shopify executive Toby Shannan is reportedly interested in purchasing the site. Shannan told the Ottawa Citizen that he is interested in transforming the campus into a not-for-profit private college focused on conservation and heritage building restoration. Shannan expressed interest in the college’s upgraded equipment, physical assets, and intellectual assets, including the curricula. The idea has repeatedly received support from several members of the Perth community, including Perth Mayor Judy Brown. Former Algonquin Perth Dean Chris Hahn told the Ottawa Citizen that Shannan’s idea would face some challenges around finances and the move to a private model, but asserted that the campus could become a centre of international recognition for craft training.
