Closing Muskoka campus a financial decision: Nipissing University

The decision to phase out the Muskoka campus is based on finances, a spokesman for Nipissing University said Thursday.

On Friday, the university's board of governors passed a resolution that September 2015 would be the final intake of students at the Muskoka campus in Bracebridge.

"On behalf of Nipissing, I offer thanks to everyone in the Muskoka region who were so welcoming to the university. This is a necessary financial decision, which doesn't make it any less difficult," Dr. Mike DeGagn, Nipissing's president and vice-chancellor, said Friday.

"After 19 years in the region and many different initiatives, not enough students were enrolling in courses to continue. This move will allow Nipissing to concentrate efforts and finances on supporting our students and faculty on the main campus in North Bay."

Buildings' fate unclear

Spokesperson Bob Pipe told CBC News on Thursday the operating budget for the Bracebridge campus is about $1 million, with 94 full-time students currently enrolled there this academic year.

The fate of the campus building and student residence, which only finished in the last few years, is unknown, Pipe said.

"We'll be entering into discussions with the town of Bracebridge regarding a transition plan to see what the future holds after the nextfew years," Pipe said.

Students currently enrolled in courses there will be able to complete their studies and will continue to be supported, the university said.

The campus opened its doors in September 2008.