douglas college
Inter Office Memo Date: March 21, 1985,

 

TO: _ DOUGLAS COLLEGE BOARD
From: _W.L. DAY

 

Re: _PRESIDENT'S REPORT

A. External Matters - Municipal

Over the past month, there have been a number of informal meetings with
personnel from the Ministry of Industry and Small Business Development -
primarily relating to our proposal for the establishment of a Centre

for Small Enterprise Development bid. I am pleased to inform the

Board that we have been offered a contract for initial curriculum
development for such a centre. A meeting will be held next week to
finalize arrangements.

I am also pleased to inform the Board that a proposed agreement wil]
shortly be presented for their approval regarding a long-term lease on
use of New Westminster park facilities - initially, Queen's Park, and
later Simcoe Park. I believe that City Council will have reviewed the
proposed agreement early next week. As soon as possible thereafter,
the City and First Capital City Development Co. Ltd., will be looking
to College approval of the agreement. This will in turn allow the
College to release First Capital City Development Co. Ltd., from its
commitment to provide use of 5 acres on the riverfront for College
playing fields. Direction from the Board regarding the process of
approval of the agreement is requested. There will likely be some
pressure for a speedy process of final negotiation and approval, because
of current negotiations on the riverfront.

On February 28th, I spent some time with Mr. Bob Skelly, leader of the
Opposition in the Province, to discuss educational policy. Mr. Skelly
had been on the campus, at a public meeting.

On March 2nd, I made a presentation on behalf of community colleges, with
special reference to Douglas College, to the B.C. Caucus of the Federal
Progressive Conservative Party. Our concerns and proposals, which centered
on student aid, co-operative education, small enterprise development,

and training for the long-term unemployed, were received with apparent
interest and understanding. Mr. Gerry St. Germain, M.P. for Mission -
Port Moody, was one of two Members of Parliament designated as contact
persons for follow-up on our points. Mr. St. Germain has already
indicated enthusiastic interest in certain of our proposals and has
promised assistance in furthering them. Copies of the presentation have
been sent to M.P's. and MLA's of all persuasions and will be provided

to members of the Board.

On March 14th, the Greater Vancouver Regional District conference on
local economic development was held here at Douglas College. Most
Mayors, a number of key Aldermen, and senior staff from all lower
mainland municipalities were in attendance.