News Stories
VIU researcher studying social and economic impacts of trail systems in Cowichan Valley
December 7, 2023
The research includes a public survey online now until the end of December. How, when and for what purpose people use trails in the Cowichan Valley region is the subject of a Vancouver Island University (VIU) researcher’s latest project. Aggie Weighill is a VIU Tourism and Recreation Management professor and director of the World Leisure Centre of Excellence (WLCE). In partnership with the... Read more
Expert Q&A: Be wildfire ready
August 22, 2023
Jenn Houtby-Ferguson shares some tips Recreation and Tourism Management Professor Jenn Houtby-Ferguson is currently doing her doctoral work on emergency readiness and risk communications for the tourism and hospitality industries. She’s a delegate with the Canadian Red Cross and has supported responses to emergency scenarios ranging from wildfires to floods to COVID-19 across Canada. She has also... Read more
How are extreme weather events affecting tourism across Canada?
July 24, 2023
As Canadians grapple with floods and wildfire smoke amidst the height of the summer travel season, VIU Recreation and Tourism Professor Dr. Aggie Weighill recently spoke on CBC Radio’s Cross Country Checkup about how extreme weather events are affecting tourism across Canada this year. Listen here: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-13-cross-country-checkup/clip/15999136-full-episode-how-... Read more
VIU Professor Studies How Pandemic Affected Recreation Programming in the Yukon
September 14, 2021
Dr. Aggie Weighill is participating in a two-phase research project that aims to develop a more resilient, post-pandemic model of recreation delivery. How people view the role and importance of physical activity in the well-being and social togetherness of their community is a question that Vancouver Island University (VIU) Recreation and Tourism Professor Dr. Aggie Weighill is looking to answer... Read more
VIU Professor Assesses Leisure in the Time of a Pandemic
January 26, 2021
EXPERT COMMENTARY: VIU Recreation and Tourism Professor Joanne Schroeder says the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of access to leisure activities as an investment in the long-term health and well-being of communities. The urgent need to stop people from gathering in close proximity to one another to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus took away or severely restricted most forms... Read more
VIU Teams Up With Community Partners to Ensure All Children Can Play
February 19, 2020
Collection boxes have been set up around Nanaimo to gather gently used sports equipment and clothing for a community Swap Meet and Fun Fair that will be held on Saturday, March 21 at VIU to level the playing field for youth. A $12,000 Community Wellness grant from Island Health will help get gently used recreational clothing, runners and sports equipment into the hands of children who otherwise... Read more