George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
A new collaborative model for postsecondary education
George Brown Polytechnic and Niagara College have formalized a strategic collaboration designed to reshape how the two institutions deliver postsecondary education across Ontario. Signed January 22 at George Brown's Limberlost Place, the agreement establishes a framework spanning academic programming, student supports, applied research, administrative efficiencies, and shared knowledge.
The partnership addresses a pivotal moment for Ontario's postsecondary sector, as institutions adapt to evolving student expectations and labour-market demands.
George Brown Polytechnic President Dr. Gervan Fearon framed the partnership as a departure from traditional institutional silos. "This is what collaboration looks like in practice. It means we are thinking differently about how we design programs, how we share expertise and resources, and how we create new pathways that reflect the new possibilities and realities of today by putting our students first.”
“As our postsecondary landscape shifts and the needs and expectations of students and employers continue to evolve, this type of cooperation is more important than ever,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy.
“This is a significant opportunity for Niagara College and George Brown Polytechnic to shape a new model of collaboration that will open doors for the students and communities that we serve.”
Expanding student mobility and regional strengths
Central to the agreement is enhanced student mobility between Toronto and Niagara—two regions offering distinct industry ecosystems, specialized facilities, and program strengths. Students will benefit from access to urban innovation hubs in Toronto and Niagara's concentration of agriculture, hospitality, and wine industry resources.
Ontario's Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, Nolan Quinn, attended the signing and expressed strong provincial support. “Collaboration is key to delivering a world-class education that prepares students to succeed in their future careers, drive critical sectors, and meaningfully contribute to our economy,” he said. “Through this partnership, George Brown Polytechnic and Niagara College are ensuring that students get the hands-on experience they need to thrive while also fostering excellence in Ontario’s premium wine industry.”
Reviving the Ontario Wine Awards through shared stewardship
The partnership includes the return of the Ontario Wine Awards (OWA) in 2026 under a rotating co-hosting model. George Brown will host in Toronto in 2026, with Niagara College taking the lead in 2027. This structure integrates students from both institutions into judging, event operations, and industry networking—transforming the competition into an applied learning platform.
Established in 1995, the Ontario Wine Awards recognize the best of Ontario's Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines, spotlighting quality and distinction across the province's growing wine sector.
Dr. Fearon framed the collaboration as both a continuation and expansion of the awards' legacy: "The Ontario Wine Awards have long played an important role in recognizing excellence in Ontario's wine industry. By partnering with Niagara College, we are building on that legacy while expanding applied learning opportunities and industry engagement for students in both regions."
Kennedy underscored the educational value of connecting emerging talent with established professionals: "As the home of Canada's first commercial teaching winery, we're very pleased to partner with George Brown Polytechnic in the return of the Ontario Wine Awards. This collaboration creates a unique opportunity for the students who will one day drive the success of Ontario's wine industry to celebrate and learn from the current leaders and innovators in this world-class sector."
Governance and industry impact
George Brown Polytechnic retains ownership and brand stewardship of the Ontario Wine Awards, with Niagara College serving as co-host during rotation years. A joint steering committee will oversee governance, judging standards, and program alignment.
OWA founder Tony Aspler welcomed the partnership's role in securing the competition's future: "The Ontario Wine Awards continues to go from strength to strength under the joint patronage of George Brown Polytechnic and Niagara College. I'm delighted that this partnership helps secure the future of Ontario's prestigious wine competition."
The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, emphasized the awards' broader cultural significance: "These awards offer a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the skill, care, passion, and innovative spirit of Ontario's winemakers. I am delighted that George Brown Polytechnic and Niagara College will be cultivating their future together."
Wine submissions open January 30, with judging scheduled for May 30–31 at George Brown's Chef School. Winners will be announced during Ontario Wine Week in June. The awards support an industry that generates billions in economic activity and employs more than 22,000 people across Ontario.
Implementation and future directions
As the agreement moves into implementation, both institutions anticipate the emergence of new joint initiatives in the coming months. The collaboration positions George Brown Polytechnic and Niagara College to respond more effectively to industry needs, expand student pathways, and strengthen Ontario's postsecondary and economic landscape through coordinated innovation and shared resources.