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- Mad Hatter

Douglas College Newsletter.

 

Friday, July 19, 1985

 

ECONOMIC RENEWAL

In tough economic times, many regions in British Columbia are turning to their
local community colleges and institutes for the expertise and facilities needed

to provide effective long-range economic plans.

Colleges and institutes, with their unique relationship between business, labour
and governments, are proving themselves an obvious choice for partnership in
economic stimulation and to bring visible relief to the diverse regions of the

province.

Bill Day, chairman of the B.C. Council of College and Institute Principals (BCCCIP),
says more groups are using post-secondary institute resources because of their

willingness to help.

One of the major advantages to this type of arrangement is that the college is
not-an arm of the government. "Businesses are willing to become involved because

we are seen as neutral partners," says Day.

"There are many ways communities are using educational centres as an economic
resource," Day says. "One of the most striking examples is the number of activities

happening at Selkirk College in the Kootenays."

Here, the Upper Lakes Economic Development Society is operating out of the college

campuses in Nakusp and New Denver, and is involved in three major economic initiatives