Terminated Camosun College president to receive $176,000 this year
Camosun College’s new president, Sherri Bell, began her term on July 1, but the college’s previous president, Kathryn Laurin, is still getting her $176,000 salary for 2015, according to a recent Times Colonist story. Laurin had her contract terminated last June for reasons never made public, although she claims that the termination was unjustified. Laurin is officially on a leave of absence and receiving full salary and benefits until February 2016, according to the story.
Camosun gets $1.6 million in funding
On July 23, it was announced that Camosun College will receive $1.6 million for the creation of a testing interaction lab to support the local manufacturing sector. The lab will provide students hands-on experience and also provide industry access to what Camosun called “state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies” in a press release. The lab will be part of the Interurban campus’ Trades Education and Innovation Complex, set to open in September.
Camosun College launches new course about indigenous culture
Camosun will start offering the new course “Understanding Indigenous Peoples” in September. The course aims to help learners understand indigenous culture by, according to a Camosun press release, offering “an inside look at the distinctive worldview and historical experience of First Nation and Métis people in Canada.” See camosun.ca/indigenous-learning for more about the college’s Indigenous Learning programs.
City of Victoria supports Adult Basic Education
The City of Victoria recently called on the Christy Clark government to restore the $15-million-plus in cuts to Adult Basic Education (ABE) and to also reverse the tuition fees on ABE courses. The motion passed by a unanimous vote by council. The cuts happened in December of 2014, when the government removed the tuition-free ABE mandate and announced a $6.9 million cut to ABE programming at postsecondary institutions in BC, including Camosun College. The Canadian Federation of Students-British Columbia (CFS-BC) applauded the City of Victoria in a press release, with CFS-BC chairperson Simka Marshall (a former Camosun student) saying that students “are excited that the City of Victoria has chosen to stand with them in recognizing the importance of tuition-free ABE.” More information about the BC-wide campaign calling on Clark to restore the cuts can be found at dontclosethedoors.ca.
McKenzie interchange finally gets approved
An $85-million interchange at the intersection of McKenzie Avenue and the Trans-Canada Highway has been given the thumbs-up. The corner, which is known for being heavily congested and dangerous, now has provincial funding approved for the project, which has long been talked about. The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition has issued a press release urging the government to ensure cycling safety is improved at the intersection, which also includes the Galloping Goose trail.
Good news for cyclists
Speaking of cycling safety, two-wheelers will be happy to hear that Bike BC recently put $140,000 towards a planned extension to the Lochside Trail. The extension will be at the intersection of Borden Street and McKenzie Avenue, as well as at the corner of Borden Street and Cedar Hill Cross Road.
Wastewater talks continue
The Royal Colwood Golf Club recently offered a three-acre parcel of land for consideration as a potential wastewater treatment site to the Westside Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Select Committee. The committee is looking at 20 other potential sites as well. In other news, the Core Area Wastewater Treatment Program Commission recently announced they will be scaling back their operations, although the commission remains active.
T’Souke Nation and CRD open campsite
The Capital Regional District (CRD) and T’Souke Nation recently opened the campground at Sooke Potholes Regional Park. The Sooke Potholes Spring Salmon Place campground is operated by T’Souke Nation for a pilot project with the CRD for 2015. The campground has 67 sites for RVs and tents.
Fruit-pickers wanted
The Fruit Tree Project, a group who aims to pick local fruit that might otherwise go to waste and redistribute it, needs some help. They are aiming to rescue 40,000 pounds of fruit this year, and are looking for some volunteers to assist them. Check out lifecyclesproject.ca/initiatives/fruit_tree/ for info.
New affordable housing opens in Langford
Construction has begun at 550 Goldstream Avenue, which will be an affordable housing complex for aboriginal families and individuals. The development will contain 36 rental units.
Local dance school gets accredited
The Victoria Academy of Ballet’s postsecondary Bridge program was recently given full accredited status by the Ministry of Advanced Education. The academy is also recognized by the federal government as a registered vocational institution.
Victoria artists nominated for country music awards
Two artists from Victoria have been nominated for awards at the upcoming 2015 Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Mike Little is in the running for his keyboard work for the Special Instrument award under the Musician category, while Twin Kennedy are competing for Interactive Artist of the Year. The awards take place on September 13 in Halifax.
Open Space receives indigenous funding
Open Space art gallery has received funding from the 2015 Telus Community Fund for their Indigenous Youth Arts Program. The free, hands-on program encourages indigenous youth to explore different forms of media arts, including video, sound, and digital art. The Telus Community fund focuses on education, health, and environment, and gave $350,000 to 28 Victoria charities last year. A showcase of the indigenous youth artists is planned at the gallery in November.
Open Space termporarily closed
Speaking of Open Space, their gallery will be temporarily closed until September 19 for renovations. The Open Space offices will remain open at a temporary location on the second floor of 506 Fort Street.
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