• Stouffville has entered into an applied learning agreement with Seneca Polytechnic.
  • The Town will serve as a host municipality for Seneca’s Public Administration graduate program work term stream.
  • Beginning Winter 2026, students will work on real municipal challenges alongside Town Staff.
  • Mayor Iain Lovatt says the partnership will provide added analytical capacity and fresh perspectives.
  • Seneca President David Agnew said the program will offer students real-world challenges and opportunities to contribute to the community.

 

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville has formalized a new partnership with Seneca Polytechnic that will see the municipality play a direct role in training future public sector professionals, while also strengthening its own research and analytical capacity.

Under the agreement, Stouffville will support Seneca’s Public Administration graduate certificate program by acting as a host municipality for applied student work beginning in the Winter 2026 academic term. Students enrolled in the program’s work term stream will collaborate with Town Staff on real municipal issues, contributing to local government operations.

“We look for partners that can offer meaningful, real-world challenges for our students and allow them to make important contributions to their communities,” said David Agnew, President of Seneca Polytechnic, in comments provided to Bullet Point News. “Having our students work with the Town of Stouffville brings exactly the kind of energy, innovation, and collaboration this program was designed to foster.”

Student focus areas are expected to include research and analysis, governance and policy development, and operational planning. The Town gains access to additional capacity and new perspectives, while students are exposed to the realities of municipal decision-making and service delivery.

The Public Administration program is an eight-month graduate certificate developed by municipal government professionals and designed to reflect current public sector needs, Seneca says. Coursework covers a range of disciplines, including communications, policy analysis, project management, finance, governance, and leadership, with a strong emphasis on Ontario’s municipal framework.

“For students who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and enjoy the flexibility online learning offers, this program is a great option,” Agnew told Bullet Point News. “You’ll work directly with municipal partners on real issues facing local governments and gain the practical skills, experience, and confidence that will prepare you to step into the public sector ready to contribute on day one.”

Work terms are similar in length to an academic semester and may be paid or unpaid. While placements are not guaranteed, “students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the work term,” Seneca’s website explains.

While the current agreement is focused on the Winter 2026 session, Seneca has indicated there are plans to continue the collaboration with Stouffville beyond the initial term.

“Welcoming Seneca students into our organization brings fresh energy and innovative thinking to the work we do for our residents,” Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt said in a recent press release. “This partnership is a practical step in strengthening our services and ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of our growing and diverse community.”