Northwestern Polytechnic

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Not to be confused with Northwestern Polytechnic University or Northwestern Polytechnical University.
Northwestern Polytechnic
Former name
Grande Prairie Junior College, Grande Prairie Regional College
TypePolytechnic
Established1966
PresidentVanessa Sheane [1]
Students1,986 (2023-24 fulltime equivalent) [2]
Location
Grande Prairie
,
Alberta
,
Canada

55°10′31.77″N 118°49′6.25″W / 55.1754917°N 118.8184028°W / 55.1754917; -118.8184028
CampusUrban
ColoursDark blue, light blue, pink and yellow[3]
       
NicknameWolves
AffiliationsCICan, CCAA, U Sports, University of the Arctic, ACU, ACAC, AACT
Websitewww.nwpolytech.ca
Map

Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), previously known as Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC)[4] is a publicly funded educational institution located in northwestern Alberta, Canada.[5]

Founded in 1966 as Grande Prairie Junior College with Dr. Henry Anderson as Dean, the institution officially honoured the first student body of 101 charter students on April 21, 1967.[6]

NWP currently operates campuses in Grande Prairie and nearby Fairview, Alberta, and has a laboratory and research presence through its National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC), located in Beaverlodge, Alberta.

The Polytechnic is the largest post-secondary institution in northern Alberta, offering diverse certificate, diploma, apprenticeship, and undergraduate programs across four schools dedicated to Applied Science and Technology, Business, Health, and Skilled Trades.

Attracting learners from Canada and beyond, the institution has continued to strengthen its positioning. NWP has over 2,800 attending students.[7]

History

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Northwestern Polytechnic was opened as the Grande Prairie Junior College in 1966. Four years later, the institution was renamed Grande Prairie Regional College, and in 1974, classes were first started in a purpose-built, curvilinear facility designed by famed Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal.[8]

During the 1990's the campus footprint broadened, as did program offerings. In 1991, an addition to the iconic Grande Prairie campus, designed by architects Field, Field, and Field, was officially opened. In September 1995, GPRC established its first degree pathway, the Bachelor of Applied Forest Resource Management.Citation needed

Over the last 50 years, the institution has continued to strengthen its positioning. In 2009, Fairview College was folded in, enabling an expansion into two distinctive campuses conveniently located 115 km apart.

In January 2020, the province of Alberta announced a new performance-based funding model for colleges and universities.[9] In March, GPRC announced significant budget reductions.[10] A few months later, in May, GPRC eliminated 85 staff positions and 2 programs.[11] Later that month, the government of Alberta announced that GPRC would not become a university and move toward polytechnic status instead. In August 2021, GPRC appointed another new president, Justin Kohlman, the third in under five months.[12][13][14] Kohlman's term, which ended abruptly after less than two years, was noted for a lack of transparency.[15][16][17] On December 9, 2021, the government of Alberta approved the name change for the institution, officially becoming Northwestern Polytechnic.[18]

In September 2025 the province announced a $1million dollar investment to expand the trades program.[19]

Research

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In the spring of 2007, the school's Centre of Research and Innovation was established, and the National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC) in Beaverlodge was opened in 2012. Now a designated Technology Access Centre (TAC), the NBDC has established itself as a leader in providing comprehensive and diagnostic services, as well as cutting-edge testing, for the beekeeping industry.

In addition to the NBDC's processes and practices being aligned with those of accredited laboratories in the EU and US, the centre plays a core role in selective breeding and scientific testing for fraudulent honey, thereby protecting Canada's global reputation and trade interests.

In 2013, GPRC achieved eligibility to apply for research funds from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), opening the door for a broad range of applied academic research to support communities and industries.

Academic programs

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Grande Prairie campus main entry

As a polytechnic, NWP has steadily expanded a variety of learning pathways. In Fall 2023, NWP began offering four-year bachelor's degrees in business administration and computing science. A Bachelor of Education for aspiring elementary school teachers will be offered in Fall 2025[20], and new degrees with a focus on Mental Health are currently under development.

NWP is also now home to the farthest-reaching and northernmost multi-site medical education program, thanks to a partnership with the University of Alberta. The Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) prepares graduates for family medicine and general practice[21].

In addition to local degrees, NWP also offers several collaborative degree completion opportunities, which allow students to complete two years as an NWP student before wrapping up their qualification at a degree-granting university. As of 2024, transfer programs include two years toward a Bachelor of Arts, commerce, computing science, education, engineering, fine arts, kinesiology, open studies science and social work[22].

A vibrant hub for career-focused education, NWP offers a range of two-year diploma programs, certificates and apprenticeship pathways. The institution has industry partnerships with global corporations like Caterpillar Inc. and Finning Canada, and hosts the only authorized Harley-Davidson® Training Centre in Canada[23].

Academic upgrading is also offered, which allows individuals to earn high school prerequisites needed for apprenticeship programs, and college-level or university courses, and/or a certificate of grade 12 Equivalency[24]. The Polytechnic's Continuing Education department is the starting point for a variety of office, business, industry, safety, health, and human services certificate and micro-credential courses that enhance personal and professional development, and range from one-day courses to full-credit programs.

Athletics

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Northwestern Polytechnic's athletics program is a member of the Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference and Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association[25]. Student-athletes compete as the NWP Wolves, and as of 2024, there were more than 100 dedicated athletes competing in eight teams over five sports, including cross-country running, basketball, indoor track, soccer, and volleyball.Citation needed Golf and women's hockey programs were added in 2025.[26]

Scholarships, awards, and bursaries

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There are more than 300 scholarships, awards, and bursaries available to Northwestern Polytechnic students[27].

Campus life - Grande Prairie facilities

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View of the Grande Prairie campus from across Muskoseepi Park

Located in the south of Alberta's Peace Country, and 450 km northwest of Edmonton, NWP's Grande Prairie campus includes a cafeteria, daycare, on-site bank machines, bookstore, theatres, and more. The Learning Commons offers support to both students and faculty. There is an on-site Health Centre that provides services for students, and the on-campus housing for over 500 students is located near to the city's Muskoseepi Park trail system[28].

Northwestern Polytechnic's Grande Prairie campus includes the 500-seat Douglas J. Cardinal Centre for Performing Arts. The campus's student lounge, Howlers, also hosts weekend and evening entertainment often arranged by the NWP Students Association (NWPSA)[29].

NWP's multi-faceted fitness facility at its Grande Prairie campus includes a fully equipped weight room and a multipurpose fitness studio. A large, multi-sport gymnasium spanning 17,000 sq. ft., known as the "Wolf Den", is home to the NWP Wolves Athletic teams and is available to book for events, leagues and activities[30].

Fairview Campus facilities

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Located 82 km from Peace River and 115 km from Grande Prairie, Northwestern Polytechnic's Fairview Campus offers highly sought-after specialist training and technical programs. Veterinary Technology students benefit from the on-site working farm. Trades and technology labs are available, as well as a learning Commons and on-campus living[31].

Northwestern Polytechnic's Fairview Campus also features a theatre and gymnasium, both of which serve as hubs for events organized by the post-secondary institution and the community.

The gymnasium on the Fairview Campus features two volleyball courts, basketball courts and various sporting equipment.

As of October 6, 2021, NWP officially handed over operations of the Fairview Fitness Centre to the Town of Fairview. This new arrangement was negotiated with a shared vision that students, staff and community members would have ongoing access to the amenities and services[32].

Residence

Northwestern Polytechnic has on-campus student residences in Fairview and Grande Prairie.

The Grande Prairie Campus Residence offers housing for over 500 students, with furnished accommodations for both single students and those with families. The Fairview Campus Housing and Residence offers dormitory, apartment, townhouse, and family living quarters[33][34].

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Northwestern Polytechnic Appoints New President and CEO". Northwestern Polytechnic. November 14, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  2. ^ "FLE Enrolment by Institution and Sector for 2018-19 Forward" (PDF). Alberta Government.
  3. ^ "Brand Story | Northwestern Polytechnic". www.nwpolytech.ca. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
  4. ^ Vincent, Mac (2021-12-08). "Grande Prairie Regional College to officially become Northwestern Polytechnic in 2022". My Grande Prairie Now. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
  5. ^ Government of Alberta. "Types of publicly-funded institutions". Alberta.ca. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  6. ^ "Grande Prairie Junior College Yearbook 1966-1967". Northwestern Polytechnic.
  7. ^ "Headcount enrolment within the Alberta post-secondary education system". Alberta Government.
  8. ^ "Grande Prairie Regional College". DOUGLAS CARDINAL ARCHITECT.
  9. ^ Penner, Shaun (20 January 2020). "Province unveils new performance-based funding model for colleges, universities". Everything GP.
  10. ^ Lumsden, Michael (12 March 2020). ""Everything on the table" as GPRC stares down grant cut". My Grand Prairie Now.
  11. ^ Keller, Emily (13 May 2020). "GPRC to cut 85 positions, suspend two programs in 2020-21 budget". Everything GP.
  12. ^ Lumsden, Michael (21 August 2021). "New GPRC President & CEO". My Grand Prairie Now.
  13. ^ Penner, Shaun (17 March 2021). "Dr. Murray steps down as President and CEO of Grande Prairie Regional College". Everything GP.
  14. ^ Vanderveen, Randy (30 March 2021). "A STEADY HAND ON THE HELM --- GPRC president brings enthusiasm and experience to the position". Grand Prairie Daily Herald Tribune.
  15. ^ "GPRC to become Northwestern Polytechnic". December 16, 2021.
  16. ^ Fisher, Erica (26 July 2023). "Kohlman out as NWP president". MyGrand PrairieNow.com. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  17. ^ Driedger, Breanna (12 July 2023). "Fairview council highlights: NWP plans to take down campus buildings in Fairview". Fairview Post. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  18. ^ "New Designation and Name Approved by Province". www.gprc.ab.ca. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
  19. ^ Leigh, Nathaniel. "Alberta investing $1M to develop trades expansion at Northwestern Polytechnic". EverythingGP. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
  20. ^ Leigh, Nathaniel. "NWP launching new Elementary Education degree next fall". EverythingGP. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  21. ^ Alberta, Government of (2024-08-30). "Growing mental health education across Alberta". www.alberta.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  22. ^ "Programs and Courses | Northwestern Polytechnic". www.nwpolytech.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  23. ^ "Department of Transportation Trades | Northwestern Polytechnic". www.nwpolytech.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  24. ^ "Academic Upgrading | Northwestern Polytechnic". www.nwpolytech.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  25. ^ "Wolves Athletics | Northwestern Polytechnic". www.nwpolytech.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  26. ^ Smith, Nathaniel Leigh with files from Tanner. "NWP launching new golf and women's hockey programs". EverythingGP. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
  27. ^ "Financial Aid Awards Basics | Northwestern Polytechnic". www.nwpolytech.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  28. ^ "Our Campuses | Northwestern Polytechnic". www.nwpolytech.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  29. ^ "Howlers". NWPSA. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  30. ^ "Sport & Fitness | Northwestern Polytechnic". www.nwpolytech.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  31. ^ "Our Campuses | Northwestern Polytechnic". www.nwpolytech.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  32. ^ "Fitness Facilities | Northwestern Polytechnic". www.nwpolytech.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  33. ^ "Fairview Housing | Northwestern Polytechnic". www.nwpolytech.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  34. ^ "Our Campuses | Northwestern Polytechnic". www.nwpolytech.ca. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
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