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On the Street: Royal Roads University charts expansion

Royal Roads University is looking for a consultant to map out a plan for a new post-secondary school campus on the fast-growing West Shore. The comprehensive plan is to be ready by August.
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Royal Roads University in Colwood.

Royal Roads University is looking for a consultant to map out a plan for a new post-secondary school campus on the fast-growing West Shore.

The comprehensive plan is to be ready by August. A request for proposals was issued this week and closes June 18.

Last year, the province provided $250,000 for Royal Roads to lead a study, with partners UVic, Camosun College and the Sooke School District, into a new campus in the West Shore.

A feasibility study into the concept led to $1.5 million from province for a full business case to be developed.

Concerns driving the investigation into building a new campus include the lengthy commute for West Shore students to post-secondary schools, the lower than average number of West Shore students moving on to post-secondary school and the rising demand as the population expands in that region.

The idea is to set up a new campus focused on under-graduate programs, with space for collaborative learning.

The new plan will include designing a curriculum, determining how much space will be needed, site selection and design, infrastructure needs such as parking, estimating student numbers, financial analysis and timelines. The new university could be a collaboration between Royal Roads, UVic and Camosun, Royal Roads University president Philip Steenkamp said in April.

UVic’s Kidovate entrepreneurs in Bay Centre

Participants in a new UVic entrepreneurship program for young people aged 12 to 18 will be showcasing and selling products on Saturday they have created.

The Kidovate program was created by UVic’s Gustavson School of Business. Its first market will be from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. at The Bay Centre’s centre court.

A total of 26 young people will sell products, including crocheted and yarn creations, hand-made soap and bath bombs, felt friends, socks, poetry, water-colour paintings, pet food, greeting cards, silver jewelry, paper straws, plants and garden sticks.

Participants received a graphic novel workbook and access to UVic student mentors. Kidovate offers a learning guide for educators that is tied to the new B.C. curriculum.

Brock Smith, entrepreneurship area champion at UVic, said Kidovate is an opportunity for youth across the region to develop entrepreneurship and business skills. “These youth have worked hard to create valuable products and I hope customers will reward them for their efforts by coming to the Bay Centre and making purchases.”

Don’t miss

A day-long educational event aimed at small- and medium-sized businesses is being offered by the City of Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce. It will run May 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Beban Park Social Centre. There is no charge to take part. Anyone wishing to attend can email alyssa.bandurka@nanaimo.ca