Temporary cap on international student permits announced
On Monday, January 22, the federal government announced that it has set a two-year cap on the amount of approved study permits given to international students. Approximately 360,000 permits will be allotted for 2024—a 35% decrease from 2023. Each province will have its own cap, the amounts of which had not been announced as of press time. The cap is intended to protect international students from institutions taking financial advantage of them, to ensure students arrive to Canada with the proper supports, and to ease the pressure being put on housing and healthcare, but student groups are expressing concerns that it is unfair for international students and will cause financial strain on Canadian post-secondary institutions. Look for our full story soon at nexusnewspaper.com and in our next issue.
Interurban library opens research help desk
The library at Interurban recently started offering research help desk hours. Students can use this service—which was already available at the Lansdowne library—if they need help with, for example, research topics or citation. The service is available at the libraries on both campuses Monday to Friday, 11 am to 3 pm. You can also book appointments to get help online, on the phone, or over email. Head to camosun.ca/services/library and navigate to Ask a Librarian for more info.
New federal program extends to student housing
On Monday, January 29, federal housing minister Sean Fraser announced that the government’s low-cost affordable housing construction loans program is being extended to student housing. Colleges and universities will be able to apply for the loan funding to build student residences; non-profit developers and builders can also apply for the funding. The program consists of $15 billion in low-cost loans starting in 2025-26 in an attempt to encourage the building of new rental apartments. It allows developers to get loans for a 10-year term at a fixed rate and an amortization period of up to 50 years. Camosun College is currently working towards building student housing at Lansdowne, and is looking at building at Interurban in the future.
Burst pipe causes college closure
On Thursday, January 25, Camosun College’s Interurban campus experienced an unexpected closure at 10:48 am due to a water outage caused by a burst water line in neighbouring Vancouver Island Technology Park. The college asked students to leave the campus as soon as possible but kept buildings open for temporary shelter until noon. The situation was remedied and the college reopened for classes on Friday, January 26.
Saanich seeking engagement with new website
The District of Saanich recently launched HelloSaanich, a new website that calls for public engagement. The platform is designed to share information and allow citizens to weigh in on upcoming projects and initiatives through polls, discussions, surveys, and voting. From now until Wednesday, February 14, Saanich residents can weigh in on the 2024 budget. The survey includes 30 questions to help identify priorities on municipal spending. For more information visit saanich.ca.
West Coast Trail tales wanted
If you’ve hiked the West Coast Trail and want to tell the tale, The Maritime Museum of BC (MMBC) may be interested. The museum is looking for contributions for its upcoming No Walk in the Woods: The History of the West Coast Trail exhibit, which opens on April 11. If you have a story to tell, photos to share, or even items to lend, the deadline is Thursday, February 29; contact MMBC collections and exhibit manager Heather Fenney at archives@mmbc.bc.ca for more information.