New trades training facility approved for Powell River campus

A major overhaul of a trades training facility at Vancouver Island University’s Powell River campus is good news for students and the community.

The $976,000 investment, announced Friday by the federal and provincial governments under phase two of the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, will replace the current out-of-date and aging trades building with a new, efficient facility that will greatly enhance the learning environment for students, said campus principal Arlette Raaen.

The 418 square metre building will allow students in the carpentry and automotive trades to have access to everything VIU’s campus has to offer, including computer labs, the library, and bookstore.

The new facility will increase energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions following LEED’s Gold or equivalent standards, and result in significant improvements to indoor air quality, ventilation, lighting, natural lighting, and storm drainage.

“The new trades training facility will foster innovation in carpentry and automotive trades training and industry development for the local community, and enhance the foundation for the future skill development needs of the region,” Raaen added.

“Opportunities for regional economic development are significant in industry sectors representing energy production, value added forestry, agriculture, tourism, high technology, transportation, retail, and professional services. Growth potential in these sectors can only be realized through skill training initiatives and the in-migration of workers, because of the rapidly aging demographic in the area.”

VIU President Ralph Nilson said the project approval is a tremendous step forward for the Powell River campus community. He said VIU is working toward a ‘neighbourhood of learning’ concept in partnership with School District 47 to bring post-secondary programs into one location.

 “VIU is committed to providing regional access to higher learning,” added Nilson. “This project demonstrates that commitment, contributing significantly to the quality of education, the experience of students studying in our programs and to economic development in the region. The economy of the Powell River region is in transition, from a resource-based economy to a more diversified services-oriented economy. The trades programs are an essential component of economic sustainability, as VIU generates opportunities for training and employment with First Nations communities and industry.”

John Weston, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, said the project “is a great example of how our partnership with the provincial government is allowing us to take immediate action to help regional economies get back on track. My staff and I have been working specifically on this project for eight months because of the benefit it will bring to VIU, its students and the Powell River area.”

Moira Stilwell, British Columbia's Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, said in a news release issued by the province that “Partnering with the federal government allows us to invest in campuses all over BC to give students the best possible learning experience. By renovating and renewing buildings and campuses, we’re creating jobs that will boost the region's economy now, and for the future.”

This investment is part of the federal government's two-year, $2-billion plan to repair and expand research and educational facilities at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. In BC, the federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of the cost of selected projects on a cost-share basis with the province.

Work on the trades training facility is scheduled to begin in the fall.