News Briefs, October 30, 2013 issue: Camosun College Student Society election results, Economy boosting via Camosun, more talk of poop

News October 30, 2013

Fall Camosun College Student Society election results in

The preliminary results for the Camosun College Student Society (CCSS) fall elections are in. 593 students voted, and the end result is this: Jacqueline Christie is now a Lansdowne director, while Sophie Amin, Xinyi Qu, Pamela Webster, and Ellen Young are Interurban directors. Andrea Lemus is the new international director.

Camosun good for the economy

If providing education isn’t productive enough, Camosun delivers on the money front as well, according to a new report. In the analysis based on the 2011/2012 academic fiscal year, the school had a $1 billion impact on the regional economy. According to the analysis, the school’s government funding is more than balanced by the positive income created locally, both for businesses and individuals. For once it’s nice to see tax dollars not going to waste.

CRD asks for input on waste

After heavy public resistance to the proposed bio-solids processing plant in Esquimalt, the CRD has marked the Hartland Landfill area in Saanich as the best alternative. The press release emphasizes a proactive engagement with the community, as well as noting the greater distance from the proposed site to nearby residences. Maybe, just maybe, the government learned something from the unfortunate Victoria sewage debacle.

Chargers volleyball going strong

Camosun women’s and men’s volleyball teams may have started slow this season, but both teams have gone on to win consecutive games at home. Let’s hope the trend continues through November. Don’t forget to show your support at the men’s and women’s basketball teams’ home games this month at the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence while the volleyball teams are away.

Golf team wins bronze

The Camosun Chargers men’s golf team won the 2013 PING CCAA nationals bronze medal with some tough competition. The team was in ninth place after the first day and fifth place after day two, and they had the lowest daily score on day three. Camosun golfer Jarret Calbeck won his second award this season: CCAA 2013 All-Canadian. The tournament gold winner was fellow BC team University of the Fraser Valley; Ontario’s Humber College took silver.

New health authority for BC First Nations

British Columbia is pioneering a new initiative in health care, by setting up a First Nations Health Authority. It’s intended to cover all the areas within aboriginal communities that the main health streams are not adequately addressing, and to integrate First Nations cultural knowledge and values into the services. The Songhees Wellness Centre being built in Esquimalt will be part of this larger initiative.

Pay your age for dance

Dance Victoria is running a special deal this season to invite youth to experience the beauty of dance. If you are between the ages of 12 and 29, you can attend performances for the cost of your age. The tickets are limited and go on sale three weeks before the shows. Info at dancevictoria.com.

FilmCAN competition

Know any young filmmakers? This is their chance for a bit of fame in the 2014 Victoria Film Festival. FilmCAN invites submissions from kids in Grade 12 and under for the chance to win some sweet prizes, as well as to have your short film shown before a feature at the festival. A mentor program will also be set up online to help with questions about the filmmaking process. Entries accepted until December 14 on the FilmCAN site; details at victoriafilmfestival.com.

Group offers ferry fare proposals

BC Ferries has become prohibitively expensive, says the Ferries Advisory Committee, and fare reductions are the best way forward. They recently presented their proposals in a paper to the provincial government with the hope that the budget planners will approve funding for a pilot project of reduced ferry fares. As anyone on the island would agree, that would be amazing (but don’t hold your breath).