Selkirk College has announced it will close its fine arts campus in Nelson, British Columbia, at the end of the current academic year. The move is meant to cover a projected financial shortfall of three to four million dollars for 2026–27.
The Victoria Street campus has housed the Kootenay School of the Arts since 2006. The school originally opened in 1958 and later became part of Selkirk College. The facility can accommodate up to 33 students and offers specialized programs in fine arts.
Board chair Amed Naqvi called the closure a “difficult but necessary” step to ensure the college’s survival. Federal changes to immigration policy have reduced the number of international students, causing a sudden drop in tuition revenue.
Selkirk College will discontinue its Blacksmithing, Ceramics, and Textile Arts programs. A few community education programs taught at the campus will also end. The college said current students will be supported until graduation, and those registered for fall 2026 programs will receive reimbursements.
The programs required small class sizes of eight to fifteen students, making it difficult to maintain financial efficiency. The high cost of specialized equipment and supplies further increased per-student expenses.
Ten employees, including full-time, part-time, and short-term staff, will be affected. Selkirk College said it is working with unions and employees to provide support and guidance during the transition.
The closure follows previous cost-cutting measures, including the shutdown of smaller learning centers in Kaslo and Nakusp in spring 2025. Selkirk College is one of several post-secondary institutions in British Columbia that have reduced staff and programs due to fewer international students.
The college reported a loss of nine million dollars in revenue for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Full-time international enrollment dropped by about 32 percent this year, creating unprecedented financial pressure.
Selkirk College’s remaining campuses in Nelson, along with facilities in Trail, Grand Forks, and Castlegar, will continue operating. The college said it is committed to helping students affected by the closure complete their programs or receive refunds where appropriate.
The decision reflects wider challenges facing smaller arts programs and specialized campuses in Canada. With fewer international students and rising costs, colleges are making difficult choices to maintain essential programs and financial stability.
