Camosun given provincial go-ahead to propose renewed trades facilities
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May 23, 2012
The Ministry of Advanced Education has given Camosun the go-ahead to develop a comprehensive business case for the renewal of trades facilities at Interurban campus.
The announcement was made this morning by Advanced Education Minister Naomi Yamamoto and Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong in front of a crowd of trades students, faculty and staff in the Heavy Duty shop.
"Camosun College can now advance to the next phase in its plans to renew its trades program facilities as it prepares to train a new generation of B.C.'s skilled work force," said Advanced Education Minister Naomi Yamamoto. "Responsible investments like this one ensure current and future students have the quality programs, facilities and opportunities they need to succeed in their studies and careers, and I look forward to continuing discussions with the college on the proposed project."
"It's been exciting to watch Camosun College grow over the years and become one of the leading post-secondary institutions in B.C.," said Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong. "Our government continues to support Camosun by helping to ensure its students have the facilities they need in order to succeed now and in the future."
Trades shops require revitalization
"On behalf of the college, I am very pleased to thank the Ministry for this exciting opportunity," responded Camosun President Kathryn Laurin. "Our current trades shops and classrooms are functional, but are now over 40 years old, and in need of major upgrading, improved operating efficiency and expansion in order to meet student needs."
Camosun's business case will include cost effectiveness of a range of options including a comparison of the cost of renovation versus new construction. The project will provide appropriate, functional, seismically-upgraded, safe and accessible learning spaces to meet the existing and anticipated needs of the college's 20 trades foundation and apprenticeship programs. It will incorporate flexibility in design for changing educational needs and technology and will be designed for sustainability. The new facilities will be built to LEED Gold standards and maximize the use of wood in the construction.
Proposal ready by early summer
"We anticipate having our business case ready by early summer," added Laurin. "If approved, we would move quickly to the design and development phase, with construction anticipated to begin in spring 2013. Renewed facilities for our new generation of trades students will go a long way to providing the leading-edge skills and education they deserve."
Camosun is the leading provider of trades training on Vancouver Island. The college trains over 2,500 foundation and apprenticeship students each year in carpentry, heavy duty mechanics, electrical, plumbing and pipefitting, sheet metal and metal fabrication, welding, horticulture, culinary arts, automotive service, fine furniture and more. Alumni are currently working in B.C. and around the globe for companies that include BC Hydro, Don Mann Excavating, BC Ferries, the Department of National Defence, BC Transit, Viking Air and Seaspan Victoria Shipyards.
Contact
Michelle Tinis
Communications & Advancement Office
Camosun College
250–370–4626
tinis@camosun.ca
Last updated: May 23, 2012 2:16 pm
