Thousands graduate at Camosun ceremony
On June 18 and 19 over 3,000 students graduated from Camosun College at official ceremonies held at the Interurban campus. The ceremonies also saw six awards given, including one to Camosun Anthropology teacher Nicole Kilburn and her students for their bug festival, which was featured on the cover of Nexus in November of last year. See a complete list of the winners at camosun.ca/news/press-releases/2015/june/grad2015.html.
Students rewarded at Camosun Trades and Technology event
Camosun’s school of Trades and Technology gave out over 100 awards and gifts at their annual awards ceremony, held on May 28. More information on the awards and the ceremony can be found at camosun.ca/learn/school/trades-technology/awards-2015.html.
Camosun Athletic & Exercise Therapy Clinic grandly opens
The new location of Camosun’s Athletic & Exercise Therapy Clinic had a grand opening on June 25. The clinic is located at suite 204 in the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence at the Interurban campus. See camosun.ca/learn/school/sport-exercise-education/aet-clinic/ for more information on what the clinic offers.
Tech students show their projects
Camosun’s Computer Systems Technology and Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology-Renewable Energy students recently showcased their projects to the public and potential employers at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Hotel. Head over to camosun.ca/capstone for more information.
Former Camosun instructor allegedly captured by Israeli forces
We reported last issue that former Camosun instructor and human-rights activist Kevin Neish was in Gaza as the chief engineer on a ship carrying cargo and passengers with the aim of breaking the Israeli occupation and blockade. According to a press release, the ship was allegedly captured by Israeli forces and two Canadians were being held captive; Neish was one of them. The press release also states that Israeli forces used “an electric weapon” against one crew member. After being held in an Israeli prison, Neish was released and deported back to Canada.
UVic students protest in Rankin’s office
A group of 10 University of Victoria students had a sit-in protest in NDP MLA Murray Rankin’s office to voice their concerns over tar-sands expansion on July 3. Sit-ins occurred at the same time in various politicians’ offices across the country.
BC students want what Alberta’s got
You read that right: due to a recent proposal from the Alberta government to freeze tuition fee rates, the Canadian Federation of Students-BC (CFS-BC) are calling on our provincial government to do the same. The Alberta NDP recently introduced Bill 3, which offers a two-year tuition fee freeze as well as a 2 percent increase in funding for institutions. The bill also cancels tuition fee increases through market modifiers, according to a CFS-BC press release. CFS-BC also say in the press release that tuition fees in BC have increased by over 300 percent since 1990.
Wastewater updates
Twenty potential wastewater treatment sites were recently announced for Victoria’s “westside communities,” which includes Langford, Colwood, Esquimalt, View Royal, and the Songhees Nation. See westsidesolutions.ca for profiles of the sites. Members of the community are being encouraged to voice their opinion in an online survey at fluidsurveys.com/s/westsidesitespeak until July 22. As well, Westside Solutions was accepting proposals put forward by private property owners who were interested in using their property for wastewater treatment sites. The “eastside communities” hits closer to home, including Saanich, and while the survey for those communities is now closed, head to crd.bc.ca/eastside for more info.
Cool Aid program gets housed
Cool Aid’s REES program, which aims to provide resources, education, employment, and support to those struggling with addiction, mental illness, and poverty, has found a permanent home at Cool Aid’s Swift House, located at 465 Swift Street. The program has had to move three times in the past five years.
Victoria-born punk band recognized
Legendary prog-punkers NoMeansNo, who got their start here in Victoria, have been named as this year’s inductees for the 2015 Western Canadian Music Awards Hall of Fame. The band was formed in 1979 by brothers John and Rob Wright.
Arts grants awarded
$84,200 in grants was recently awarded from the Capital Regional District (CRD) to 22 local organizations to “encourage the innovative use of arts from non-arts-mandated organizations,” according to a CRD press release. Among the recipients were William Head On Stage, University of Victoria Student Radio Society, Victoria Disability Resource Centre, and Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre.
Heavy metal wins
Victoria’s Craigflower Bridge recently won the Outstanding Steel Structure award in the sustainability division from the Canadian Steel Structure Awards for BC. The bridge project will now go on to compete in the national awards.
Cycling and walking pilot also wins
The Capital Regional District’s Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan project, a two-year initiative which recently wrapped up, won a gold award for excellence in planning practice from the Planning Institute of BC. The project aimed to encourage residents to walk or ride bikes.
Cinema Politica wants you
Or wants your political documentary, anyway. Got one? Head over to cinemapolitica.org or email programming@cinemapolitica.org for the scoop.
Maritime Museum gets new space
The Maritime Museum of BC recently announced that they have a new location for their society office and a small exhibition space. They are now located at 634 Humboldt Street.
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