Georgian College and Canadian Forces Base Borden have formalized a new partnership to expand education and career opportunities for military members, veterans, and their families. Announced on March 31, 2026, the agreement strengthens the connection between the college and the military base, which is the largest training facility in the Canadian Armed Forces.
The collaboration aims to create more flexible learning pathways for military-connected students. This includes better recognition of previous military training and experience, as well as new opportunities for work-integrated learning and professional development. To oversee these initiatives, the two organizations have established a Collaboration Council that will focus on applied research and community engagement.
CFB Borden, located in Simcoe County, serves as a significant regional hub, training approximately 20,000 military personnel every year. It employs about 3,250 military members and 1,500 civilians, providing essential training in areas such as health services, logistics, maintenance, and communications. Georgian College, which was officially designated as a military-connected college in 2022, will now work more closely with the base to support these individuals across all of its campus locations.
For students in the Muskoka area, this announcement comes as the Georgian College Muskoka Campus in Bracebridge prepares to close its doors in August 2026. While all programs and apprenticeships are moving to the Barrie campus, the college intends for this new military partnership to provide accessible, flexible educational options that serve students throughout the entire region.
The agreement was championed by Georgian College President and CEO Kevin Weaver and Colonel Melissa Ramessar, who assumed command of CFB Borden and the Military Personnel Generation Training Group on June 19, 2024. Both leaders expressed their commitment to deepening the support for military families through this expanded relationship.
