BC government funds energy-reduction projects
Postsecondary institutions in BC have received $3.8 million in funding this year as part of the Carbon Neutral Capital Program. Camosun and UVic have both received improvements to their heating systems. The yearly reduction in energy costs for the postsecondary sector is estimated to be over $433,000 after upgrades. In 2010, BC’s public sector was the first major district in North America to achieve a carbon-neutral footprint.
Government funds more trades training
Camosun College is among the recipients of the BC government’s Skills For Jobs Blueprint funding to support the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. $423,000 will go towards 90 LNG-related seats at the college, which include steam/pipefitter, welder, carpenter, and electrician trades. The blueprint has targeted crucial industries based on current labour market trends, predicting a million job openings in BC by 2022.
Mental health clubhouse proponents seek support
The Camosun College Student Society is collecting signatures to forward the initiative for a non-profit clubhouse supporting mental health in Victoria. The group Moms Like Us, whose adult children live with mental illness, is spearheading the plan to create the resource by partnering with Clubhouse International. The Pathways Clubhouse in Richmond, BC is the group’s model for a clubhouse in Victoria; members are offered help in all aspects of their lives, including employment, housing, family issues, meals, and education.
Daphne Shaed hits the airwaves
Daphne Shaed, known for her previous work as Camosun College Student Society women’s director and pride director, as well as being a former Nexus columnist, brings her unique perspective to a new radio show. Breaking Binary covers diverse topics relating to gender, sex, and identity. The show airs from 4Đ5 pm on Tuesdays on UVic’s CFUV 101.9 FM.
Ontario man develops date-rape drug detector
David Wilson has created a tool he hopes will save people from becoming victims of date-rape drugs. The USB-sized device is called a pd.id (Personal Drink ID), which is used by placing in a drink to collect a small sample. The device is programmed to recognize signatures of known drugs through ultraviolet light, temperature, and electrical current tests. An app can then provide an alert for any tampering. Wilson’s project is currently being funded through an indiegogo campaign with a target release date of April 2015. The device is expected to cost around $75.
Victoria releases phase one of Bicycle Master Plan
Following public consultation this past spring, the City of Victoria has released an outline of proposed changes and improvements to the region’s cycling system. Upcoming priority projects over the next five years will likely include Pandora Avenue, Johnson Street, Vancouver Street, and off-Bay and off-Shelbourne routes. The report also identifies the need for “all ages and abilities” routes that are safe and comfortable to ride. Pending approval, upgrades to Pandora Avenue will begin next year.
Canadians picked to create prototype in car-design challenge
Automotive supplier Valeo is close to choosing finalists for their inaugural innovation challenge. The international contest invited all engineering students to submit ideas to make future cars more intuitive. Two teams from Canada, from the University of Waterloo and the University of Ottawa, made the shortlist of 20 out of 969 teams from 55 countries. Their prototypes will be submitted to judges this month and the finalists announced in September. Valeo has already confirmed that the contest will run for a second year, with submission timelines yet to be released.
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