CCSS Student Building

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Student union building going to be constructed?
Our target date for construction of the building is late 2010. This is timed so as to be shortly after the Winter Olympics of 2010 on the assumption that building costs will be lower then. It also supplies a sufficient amount of time for capital accumulation and planning for the project.

Where are the funds now?
The funds are prudently invested with the Camosun College Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit society at arms length from the College that has years of experience at managing funds responsibly for growth. Our agreement with the Foundation guarantees that the Student Society retains absolute control over the funds.

How much money is in the fund?
As of March 2007 $190,000 in fees have been collected.

Are there buildings planned for both Interurban and Lansdowne campuses?
The wording of the referendum stated that the project would be on multiple campuses. However the land available at Interurban is much more suited for the size of construction project envisioned.

What needs to be done before the building is done?
Many things:

• Site(s) for construction have to be chosen.
• A lease agreement needs to be negotiated with the College.
• Plans for any new businesses or services need to be developed.
• Plans for physical layout have to be developed with the professional architects involved.

How big of a building is planned.?
At least one building of about 10,000 square feet.

What types of spaces will it have?

• Improved CCSS offices
• Women’s Centre space
• Student Newspaper space
• FNSA space
• Student Health Plan Space
• Student Lounge Space that could be divided into 2-3 meeting spaces. This could be converted into a large space capable of holding a pub style event.

• Consignment Used Book space
• An Alternative Food Service
• Any other program that students have an idea for.

How much would such a building cost to make?
At present building costs the major building would cost close to $3 Million dollars.

Will the building fee be eliminated or reduced after the building is paid for?
Probably not. The fee will be required to also pay for operating expenses that the Student Society has never had to pay for before. These include: Utilities and building maintenance and cleaning fees that were previously absorbed by the College. In addition future renovations and expansions should be accepted as the norm in producing a thriving changing space.

Are there Architects chosen for this project?
No Architects are chosen for the project. At other Post-Secondary Institutions that have produced Student Buildings, usually the Architects that are used by the Post-Secondary Institution are used by the local Student Society as well. The College’s Architect is Carl E Peterson.

Will it be a separate building? Or a part of a larger new building the college is constructing?
This is not decided. There are cost savings to be realized by being a part of a larger project the College is planning at Interurban. This has not been weighed against any potential control issues that a joint venture could face.

It seems a lot is still not known about this project?
That is true.
Produced by Michael Subasic
CCSS ORC, webmaster and Student building Enthusiast. cupe 2081