The clearing is the first tangible step to a campus upgrade that will provide upgraded facilities for all NIC students in Campbell River, including aircraft structures, heavy duty / commercial transport and professional cook students.
Work will commence near the Dogwood Street entrance and on the south side of the existing buildings.
NIC is making every effort to protect larger trees on site, with the majority of construction taking place in previously cleared or sparsely treed areas. However, approximately 107 trees, 10 cm in diameter or larger, will be cut to make way for new facilities.
“The reduction of trees is entirely temporary,” said NIC Director of Facilities Management David Graham. “NIC is will plant 107 trees as part of the site landscaping near the completion of the project.”
Roughly 93 per cent of the treed area on site will remain untouched. NIC will clear 15,000 square metres of land – roughly 16 residential city lots. The land is owned by the provincial government, with site clearing permits issued by the Ministry of Forests.
Safety remains the top priority on and around the site. The majority of work will take place on weekends, when classes are not in session. NIC will work with the Ministry of Forests, School District 72 and the City of Campbell River to address safety concerns.
Access to campus sidewalks and roads may need to be temporarily restricted to clear and remove logs from the site.
The renovations also include a new sim lab and mock homecare suite for practical nursing students, a new student commons, a redesigned library, an Aboriginal students’ lounge as well as a modern bistro and student services area at one combined campus. Building construction is expected to start in the summer and fall of 2017.
Funding for the project is being provided by provincial and federal governments ($5.75 million each), with NIC responsible for the remaining $2 million of the project.
Media Contact
Christiana Wiens
Media Liaison, North Island College,
O. 250-334-5280 | M. 250-218-4097
christiana.wiens@nic.bc.ca
