TRU and City of Williams Lake commit to a shared future for post-secondary education in the region
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the City of Williams Lake have signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) that marks a significant step forward in their shared commitment to ensuring strong, sustainable access to post-secondary education and training across the Williams Lake region.
The agreement affirms a common public purpose: to work together to support student success, address workforce and community needs, and promote long-term regional vitality through accessible, high-quality education and training.
Rooted in a longstanding relationship between TRU and the Cariboo Chilcotin region, the LoU reflects a forward-looking approach — one that recognizes both the opportunities and challenges facing post-secondary education in British Columbia today, and the need for collaborative, innovative solutions.
“This agreement reflects the strength of our partnership with the City of Williams Lake and Mayor Rathor’s leadership,” said TRU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Airini. “We are grateful for the City’s commitment to working alongside TRU with a shared focus on students, community, and opportunity. Together, we are taking important steps that further strengthen access by learners in the Williams Lake region to relevant, high-quality and sustainable post-secondary education — now and into the future.”
“Access to post-secondary education is important to the long-term strength and vitality of our region,” said Mayor Surinderpal Rathor, City of Williams Lake. “The City values its long-standing relationship with TRU and is committed to working collaboratively to support students, strengthen regional opportunities and help ensure residents continue to have access to education and training close to home.”
As a first step under the LoU, TRU and the City are working together on the design of an inclusive regional engagement process to help reimagine post-secondary education in the Williams Lake region. This work will ensure that students, school districts, Indigenous Nations and communities, local governments, employers and regional partners have meaningful opportunities to shape future education and training pathways.
The LoU outlines a shared commitment to:
- Maintain student-centred decision-making, ensuring continuity and clear pathways through any transition
- Advance a collaborative planning process (2026–2028) to reimagine post-secondary education for learners in the Williams Lake region
- Support ongoing access to post-secondary education and training, aligned with community and workforce needs
- Explore opportunities for partnerships with other post-secondary institutions to strengthen regional access
- Work in accordance with provincial requirements to ensure that lands and facilities associated with the Williams Lake campus continue to be used for educational purposes
- Strengthen relationships with communities and Indigenous partners, recognizing their leadership and role in shaping future education and training opportunities for learners in the Williams Lake region.
TRU is recruiting for fall 2026 and winter 2027 programming at TRU Williams Lake. Skilled Trades Education programs and the unique Regenerative Agriculture program have strong support. Places are available for the Practical Nursing diploma. TRU and the City of Williams Lake are collaborating actively to promote these opportunities and encourage Williams Lake learners to apply.
TRU has served the Williams Lake and Cariboo Chilcotin region for more than 50 years and will continue to do so into the future. While program delivery models may evolve over time, both TRU and the City are aligned in their objective: ensuring that post-secondary education and training continue to support learners, communities and local economies across the Williams Lake region.
Both organizations emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership as planning progresses, and the vital role of education in building strong, resilient communities.
Thompson Rivers University is leading in sustainability. Learn more about TRU’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.