Residents will get a peek at the vision of what Salmon Arm might be as a college town.
Downtown Community Campus (DCC) co-ordinator Margaret Hardy advised councillors at Monday morning’s planning services committee of her progress in spreading the word and finding out who would be on-board.
Hardy, who has a two-year contract with the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society, says she has already met with 31 individuals and groups to get their perspective on the proposal.
A variety of focus groups are planned and a survey, available both online and in hard copy at the Economic Development Society office, will net respondents a prize donated by area businesses. The survey must be completed between May 16 and July 5.
On May 15, students ages eight to 12 will be invited to build a conceptual model of a college for the Shuswap using Lego blocks, with prizes for the winning model.
On May 31, an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Old Courthouse will offer an opportunity to learn more about plans to create a cultural and educational hub that supports the growth of post-secondary programs and community arts and cultural activities.
Hardy has developed a detailed two-year work plan and says the committee’s vision is to create an expanded downtown community campus through strong community partnerships by 2020.
Information compiled from the survey will be presented at a town hall meeting Sept. 21 and a memorandum of understanding to develop community partnerships is in the process of legal approval.
Developing infrastructure to support yet-to-be determined programming needs will be on the menu as community input continues, as will the curriculum, which could include agriculture, trades or performing arts, for example.
Coun. Alan Harrison applauded Hardy for her use of social media to involve youth and asked her if one of the focus groups would include First Nations.
Hardy advised that the Neskonlith are already on-board but that she is waiting to hear from the Little Shuswap and Adams Lake bands. Coun. Ken Jamieson added kudos already given by Cannon for the work Hardy is doing.
“This has the opportunity to be a real game-changer for downtown and the community,” he said. “I am pleased by the attempts to keep everyone involved.”
College Town Survey
The Salmon Arm Economic Society, spearheading the Downtown Community Campus project, has developed a survey to ensure that this important proposed development reflects the values and opinions of a wide range of community members. The information will be collated, analyzed, and shared at public town hall meetings in the fall.
The DCC survey may be completed on line at www.dccsalmonarm.ca” www.dccsalmonarm.ca or by visiting our Facebook page ‘Downtown Community Campus – Salmon Arm.’ Printed copies are available for pick up at city hall, Salmon Arm Economic Development Society (SAEDS), Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), Seniors Resource Centre or Okanagan Library branches throughout Salmon Arm and CSRD Electoral Areas. The DCC survey completion time is May 16 – July 5.
Completing the survey gives participants a chance to win one of several great prizes donated by local businesses. Organizers stress that our opinion matters as the community moves forward to realize the vision of a downtown community campus by 2020 through strong community partnerships.