Grande Prairie Regional College - Gymnasium

Grande Prairie Regional College was established in 1966 to provide university transfer and academic upgrading programs for the people of the region. Today, GPRC students may choose from a wide range of certificate or diploma options, or begin degrees or professional programs in Arts, Science, Education, Commerce, or Physical Education. Several degrees may be completed right here on campus through collaborative programs with Alberta universities.

Originally housed in the old Central Park School, Grande Prairie Regional College found a home of its own in 1974 with the opening of the building on this campus designed by renowned Canadian architect Douglas J. Cardinal. The expansion designed by Field, Field & Field, was officially opened November 23, 1991, and doubled the available space. On July 1 of 2009, the merger of Grande Prairie Regional College and the Fairview College Campus is an opportunity offering benefits for both campuses, and enhancing our joint position as the portal for opportunities in advanced education for our region.

Together, we are a strong Comprehensive Community College offering broad programming including apprenticeship, prepared to meet the full range of our mandate. The strengths of the individual institutions will create benefits for both, and expanded opportunities for our learners.

March, 1956
The first official request for a post secondary institution in the Peace River country was initiated.

September, 1966
69 full-time students registered for inaugural year of GPJC.

June, 1968
Board established a building committee to design a broad plan for college campus.

May, 1969
Douglas J. Cardinal, architect, was hired to prepare a master plan of campus development for board approval.

August, 1970
College renamed Grande Prairie Regional College.

September, 1974
Classes began in new Cardinal building.

June, 1976
GPRC Theatre opened.

September, 2000
First on-campus Friendship Centre opened at GPRC.

February, 2005
Refurbished theatre named to honour architect Douglas Cardinal: the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre.

July, 2008
Roles and Mandates Framework designates GPRC as Comprehensive Community College, Alberta Northwest region.

July 01, 2009
Combining our Strengths: Fairview College Campus merges with Grande Prairie Regional College to meet needs of learners in our region: academic upgrading, apprenticeship, career and university studies, degree completion, and pre-employment trades.