Terrace Celebrates Student Housing, Library renovations at Coast Mountain College
Anne Kang, the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training was in Terrace Thursday. Taking part in the opening of new student housing and a renovated library at Coast Mountain College
An enthusiastic Advanced Education and Skills Minister Anne Kang joined Laurie Waye, Interim President of Coast Mountain College and a number of college officials and guests on hand for the noon hour event Thursday in Terrace.
The Minister sharing some effusive commentary following her tour of the facility, noting what it means for those attending the Terrace campus.
“The care and attention to detail in these projects will inspire students to learn more about the world around them, all while creating a safe place to call home as they adjust to life on campus. This increased student housing will also reduce the demand for rental housing in the community, helping to alleviate the housing market pressures throughout Terrace.”
As for the new housing facility, a statement from the Minister's office provides the details of what students can look forward to from their new home on campus.
The new student housing building, called Wii Gyemsiga Siwilaawksat, replaces housing that was more than 40 years old. The building’s name translates to “where learners are content or comfortable.” This is reflected in the choice to include two suites for visiting families of students, an Elder suite, two shared kitchens, two collaboration areas, a computer lab, an e-sports room and bike storage.
A central area features a variety of Indigenous fine art created by alumni and instructors from CMTN’s Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art. The building features two three-storey wings with 108 beds (104 student beds, up from 71 in the previous spaces).
The renovated Spruce Building Library, called Waap Sa’mn, is also open. The space includes an Indigenous reading circle area that houses Indigenous collections, as well as learning and administrative spaces. The renovation was needed following a 2018 flood in the basement of the building. Phase 2 of the building renovation is expected to be complete in fall 2022.
During her presentation, the Minister had praise for the work of MLA's Nathan Cullen from Stikine and North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, as well as to offer up a shout out for Skeena MLA Ellis Ross.
"I would like to thank in particular the advocacy of North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, as well as MLA for Stikine Nathan Cullen who helped push these projects forward"
Ms. Rice herself, providing a statement for the occasion to celebrate the campus amenities that have been constructed in Terrace.
“Resiliency is the key to success, and having a welcoming and inclusive place to call home while broadening one’s perspectives through study makes an important difference in the lives of our young adults. The reach and impact of CMTN is felt throughout Northern British Columbia, and the new student housing and renovated library are a fantastic example of how thoughtfully designed buildings can positively influence the lived experience of so many people.”
As well as part of their housing victory tour, the government provided a handy checklist of all of their recent student housing initiatives across the province.
"While we have housing in Prince Rupert and Smithers in our 5-year capital plan, and as a request for funding from the Provincial government, we do not have any projects or funding to announce in either of those communities. That said, we continue to look explore opportunities in both those communities." -- Sarah Zimmerman, Coast Mountain College March 2021
Still despite all of that, and with a significant crunch when it comes to rental housing in the city there does not appear to be much urgency attached towards developing student housing for the student population that have chosen Prince Rupert for their college education.
A growing number of which include International students arriving in the community for their studies at the Fifth Street campus.
What should be a concern for civic officials and the MLA for that matter, is that with continued roll out of campus improvements being added to the Terrace campus, students will in the end migrate east and not even explore their options on the North Coast.
Something that would diminish the vibrancy of the Prince Rupert campus and its footprint in the city's downtown core.
The need for campus housing and housing in general in the community today, is one that is even more desperate than that of eight years ago.
Hopefully one day in the very near future, MLA Rice and the Advanced Education Minister can host a celebration on the North Coast that announces the completion of student housing for those pursuing their studies in this area.
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