NOVEMBER 19, 2004

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Campus master plan up for discussion

THE CADRE @ 15

Volunteer Expos ComeVisit...Get Inspired...Leave Connected.

Ryan Gallant Managing Editor

Brook Mcllroy Inc., the Planning and Urban Design contractor that is developing a plan for the UPEI campus, held its second of three concept presentations last Monday evening in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

The presentation examined three major areas of campus development: planning and design; looking at the requirements and possible sequence of construction for buildings on campus; appearance, dealing mainly with beautifying campus and with bringing that feel to the surrounding community, and connections; with development along University and Belvedere Avenue, as well as possible access to Mount Edward Road. The ever-present call for city transit and increased parking was also discussed.

The basic concept for this campus plan was to consider the needs of UPEI for the next 30-50 years and on that basis to put in place a series of developments so as to accommodate future needs. These requirements could include a larger capacity for cultural and conference services, senior access to facilities, as well as continued progress in existing programs, including research facilities and residence services.

After outlining existing projects such as the construction of the NRC Building and the new residence, and AVC expansion, future initiatives were discussed, including the expansion of Marian Hall, after it is decommissioned as a residence, to accommodate space for a Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in conjunction with the School of Business. Possible long-term initiatives were also brought forth such as the addition ofa Visitor’s Centre to the Student Centre, a permanent Central Classroom Facility to replace

CC, and to be located be ain Building and the Sports Centre, as well as an addition onto Kelley Building to

create room for a Centre for Bio--

business. Also discussed were future possibilities for expansion to KCI, as well as a replacement strategy for Blanchard Hall and the creation of a residential and commercial “village” on the southwest corner of campus. Also touched on was the idea of eventually developing the North East UPEI property. In addition to academic and residential growth, emphasis was also put on continued progress in research and development. These ideas were coupled with a plan for the planting of trees to accent the existing landscape, the creation of a more comprehensive path system on campus so as to accommodate both vehicles and pedestrians, and the integration of new entrances onto campus, both pedestrian and vehicular, one of which would enter campus in front of the core quadrangle (Main, Steele, Dalton, Memorial and Cass) so as to introduce visitors immediately to the heritage and beauty of UPEI. The development of University Avenue was also identified as akey method of bringing the face of UPETI into the community.

Although the members if the public that gathered were decidedly pessimistic in regards to the abilityto reformat entrances to the University and

_were quick to point out minute faults in the plan,the presentation as a whole was a success and painted a bright picture for the growth and expansion of the existing campus. The company’s third and final public presentation will be unveiled January 2005.

Holland College and the PEI Network of the Canada Volunteerism Initiative are hosting two Volunteer Expos in the weeks leading up to International Volunteer Day—December 5th. Summerside’s Expo will take place at the Waterfront Centre from ten until two o’clock, on November 25th. The Holland College gymnasium on Weymouth Street will be the site of the Charlottetown area Volunteer Expo on December 2nd, beginning at 10.

These volunteer fairs will provide an opportunity for groups who are seeking volunteers and for people who would like to become more involved in their communities to connect. This year, the theme of International Volunteer Day, as decreed by the United Nations is “We the People Have the Power to Change the World.” Over one thousand organizations on Prince Edward Island are trying to accomplishing worthy goals with scarce resources. Most Island non-profit and charitable organizations rely heavily on volunteers to fundraise, serve on boards of directors, carry out programs and share information about their goals. There many benefits of volunteering, such as learning new skills, meeting people, and supporting a worthwhile cause. “An individual who has volunteer experience in their resume or portfolio gains a competitive edge in job seeking.” confirms Joanne

MacDonald, Student

Development Officer with Holland College, and one of the organizers of the

Volunteer Expos.

Representatives from organizations are invited to display information about their groups, and the types of activities their volunteers do, at both

Volunteer Expos. Shari MacDonald, coordinator of the PEI Network of the Canada Volunteerism Initiative, encourages organizations to register for the Expos by calling 886-2188 or 1- 866-568-2188 (toll-free) or by visiting the www.volunteer.pe.ca website. “There is no cost for groups to come and

promote their organizations. We invite all Islanders to drop by the Expos

to learn how they can share some of their time and talents, and also enrich their own lives.” states MacDonald. The Expos are supported by the Holland College Foundation and the Canada Volunteerism Initiative (CVI). The CVI is funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage of the Government of Canada as a practical way to encourage Canadians to become involved in voluntary organizations and to

improve the capacity of organizations to involve volunteers.

peivolunteernetwork@bbema.ca

New National Reserch Council Facility Unveiled

The construction kick-off of the new National Research Council Nutrisciences and Health Building was held last week during an afternoon cer- emony in the courtyard of the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. The building, now under construction on the east side of campus, will cost $11.5 million to build and will primarily house research into naturally occuring compounds and their affect on health.

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Construction kick-off: Mike Woodsworth of the NRC, PEI Minister of Development and Technology Mike Currie, Hillsborough MP Shawn Murphy, and UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan