Province aims to strengthen workforce for housing, infrastructure and economic development projects across Northern Ontario
NORTH BAY — The Ontario government is investing more than $2.8 million to establish a new Bachelor of Community Planning program at Nipissing University, a move aimed at addressing growing demand for skilled planners in Northern Ontario and supporting the province’s long-term infrastructure and housing ambitions.
Announced Thursday by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, the investment will help develop what will become the first undergraduate planning program in Northern Ontario. The program is expected to welcome its first intake of students in the fall of 2027.
The initiative is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to expand training opportunities in sectors tied to housing construction, infrastructure development and community growth. In addition to the initial investment, the province said the program will receive nearly $190,000 to fund 60 student seats through the government’s Budget 2025 commitment to train 7,800 additional students for in-demand jobs in construction and planning-related fields.
“Northern Ontario is central to our province’s economic advantage, and we need the highly skilled planners to support strong, resilient northern communities,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “By investing in the next generation of planning professionals for the North, our government is ensuring this region has the homegrown talent it needs to build more homes, highways, hospitals and other critical infrastructure we need to thrive.”
Program designed for northern, small-town and Indigenous community needs
The Bachelor of Community Planning program will focus specifically on the planning challenges and opportunities facing small and mid-sized municipalities, northern regions and Indigenous communities. Provincial officials said the curriculum is intended to prepare graduates with practical knowledge that aligns with the realities of northern development and community-building.
Nipissing University President and Vice-Chancellor Kevin Wamsley described the program as a major milestone for both the institution and the region.
“Today’s announcement marks an exciting milestone for Nipissing University and the communities we serve,” said Wamsley. “As the only undergraduate planning program in Northern Ontario, our new Bachelor of Community Planning reflects our commitment to delivering responsive, relevant education connected to real-world needs. By combining strong academic foundations with practical, community-based experience, we are preparing graduates to help build sustainable, thriving, and inclusive communities across Northern Ontario and beyond. We are grateful for the Province’s support and proud to work alongside our partners and communities to bring this vision to life.”
The university also plans to establish an Experiential Learning Centre as part of the program. The facility will provide students with hands-on training using industry-standard equipment while facilitating collaboration with municipalities, businesses and community organizations.
Provincial officials said the goal is to ensure graduates are workforce-ready upon completion of their studies.
Part of Ontario’s broader infrastructure and workforce strategy
The investment comes as Ontario advances its 10-year, $236 billion infrastructure plan, which includes major spending on housing, transportation, hospitals and community infrastructure projects across the province.
The government has also introduced a new long-term funding framework for post-secondary institutions, committing an additional $6.4 billion to colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes. Last month, Ontario announced $1.7 billion to support 70,000 additional seats in high-demand programs, including skilled trades and planning-related disciplines.
Several cabinet ministers and industry leaders said the new Nipissing program would help address workforce shortages and strengthen regional economic development.
“Through legislative reforms and measures like the expanded HST rebate, our government is creating the conditions to get more homes built across every corner of the province,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “The new Bachelor of Community Planning program at Nipissing will help to ensure that the North is positioned to make advantageous, informed decisions about community development that will help unlock its full potential.”
George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, said northern communities require planners who understand local realities.
“Northern communities are growing, and they need planners who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of the North,” Pirie said. “By supporting this new Community Planning program at Nipissing University, our government is helping to equip northern students with the skills and tools to design made-in-the-North solutions that reflect the realities and needs of small, mid-sized and Indigenous communities across our region.”
Industry organizations also welcomed the announcement, pointing to increasing demand for planning professionals as Ontario attempts to accelerate housing development.
“Planning is one of the key professions behind housing delivery,” said Kirstin Jensen, Vice President, Policy, Advocacy & Relationships at the Ontario Home Builders’ Association. “From managing growth and coordinating infrastructure to navigating approvals and community building, planners help move projects from concept to construction. As governments work to stimulate new housing activity and address Ontario’s housing supply challenge, ensuring we have a strong pipeline of planning professionals will be essential.”
Municipal leaders in Northern Ontario said the initiative could also help retain skilled workers in the region by allowing students to study and build careers closer to home.
“One of the biggest challenges facing Northern Ontario is attracting and retaining the skilled professionals our communities need to grow,” said Dave Plourde, President of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities. “This investment in Nipissing University’s new Community Planning program helps address that challenge by giving students the opportunity to study, gain experience, and build careers in the North.”