[8] Prior to the 1960s, only institutes of technology and vocational centres co-existed with universities in the province of Ontario at the post-secondary level, and many of those schools were established primarily to help veterans reintegrate into society in the post-war years.

[9] Some of the earliest programs offered included Business Administration, Home Economics, Early Childhood Education, Engineering Technology, and Electronics Technician.

In 2022, hundreds of students at the campus of St Lawrence's partner institution Alpha College of Business and Technology protested[10] over-enrolment and cancelled courses.

[11] In 2024, in response to Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Marc Miller announcing cuts in the numbers of student visas that would be granted, and new efforts to prevent fraud.

While the Canadian Federation of students was happy with the decision,[12] the college president criticized the move, stating publicly it was "disappointing"[13] and "would "affect our reputation".