Northwest B.C. - Coast Mountain College (CMTN) has announced a major restructuring plan aimed at reducing annual expenditures by $4 million. The move comes as the institution prepares for future years with reduced revenue from international student tuition.
As part of the restructuring, CMTN will transition from a four-campus model to three, with the Hazelton campus set to close permanently on June 30, 2026. President and CEO Dr. Laurie Waye said the decision, though difficult, was necessary to ensure the college’s long-term sustainability.
“Closing the Hazelton campus was a really difficult decision, but with finite resources, it made economic sense to focus on three robust campuses — Prince Rupert, Terrace, and Smithers,” said Waye. “We’ll continue offering courses in the Hazelton region through community spaces and mobile training units.”
The restructuring includes a 20 percent workforce reduction across all employee groups. Some positions will be blended or discontinued, while others will be newly created to better align with the college’s core mandates.
Departments such as Student Recruitment and Registrar Services will be reorganized to focus more on domestic student support and streamlined administrative processes. The college has also accepted several early retirement and voluntary departure incentives to help minimize layoffs.
Despite the challenges, CMTN reports a 13 percent increase in domestic enrolment this fall. Officials say the changes will help create a sustainable and focused model that continues to serve students across the region.
CMTN leadership says these measures will help the college build a firm foundation for the future, emphasizing in-community training and online learning opportunities throughout northwest B.C.