EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction

The Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) Campus Master Plan lays out the long-term vision for future development and enhancement of the campuses over a span of 10-15 years. This is the Institution’s third Master Plan, and it comes with the need for an update after the recent designation of a Polytechnic. This plan will provide the Institution with a reference point to help guide decisions in the long term.

Northwestern Polytechnic campus space includes the Grande Prairie campus, the location of the Douglas Cardinal main building, an important Canadian architectural landmark, the Fairview campus, originally the Fairview College, and the National Bee Diagnostic Centre in Beaverlodge. In 2021, the nursing program moved into leased space in the Health Education Centre at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital.

Recommendations Engagement

Over the course of the campus master planning process, extensive engagement occurred with the campus community and externals from the surrounding communities. The conversations and feedback helped to inform the plan. All engagement activities were relationship- driven utilizing visioning sessions, focus groups with internal and external stakeholders, a student survey, and open houses to review the development of the plan.

Campus Review

A review of the campuses has been completed to determine the baseline condition of both the Grande Prairie and Fairview campus and identifies future opportunities, including:

• Campus Structure and Quality

• Best Practices

• Phasing and Strategies

The results of the planning process provide NWP with a series of recommendations around best practices and using the Campus Master Plan as a living document, including recommendations for internal management of the plan.

Document Structure

The plan itself is organized into 7 sections:

1.0 Introduction outlines the need for a Campus Master Plan, guiding principles and alignment with the Strategic Plan.

2.0 Engagement provides an overview of the engagement and consultation process.

3.0 Background outlines the Institution’s history, provides context on the community and region, and includes an overview of the campuses.

4.0 Utilization and Space Requirements provides a baseline understanding of the current conditions of NWP’s buildings and space.

5.0 Campus Structure and Quality provides an overview of existing structure of the campus and outlines opportunities to improve structure and quality.

6.0 Recommendations summarizes the recommendations for the Institution including phasing and priorities, best practices around space, sustainability and resilience, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

7.0 Implementation provides an overview on how to administer and monitor the living document and suggests policies to consider.