Study to find new space for SA

Megan Sarrazin

news editor

A single sustainable campus is something that has been on the radar for quite some time at Grant MacEwan University.

Recently, Students’ Council became involved by approving a feasibility study looking into their options, by either creating a “stand-alone building on or off campus or a facility within the University’s Single Sustainable Campus plan,” according to Jed Johns, student councillor.

The study was originally proposed to Students’ Council by Students’ Association (SA) President Nils Holmgren back on Oct. 26, when the new council was elected.

“It’s been part of our strategic plan to look into a student building for a number of years . . . also with the Single Sustainable Campus plan, it’s kind of an ideal time to look at that,” said Holmgren.

The university hasn’t finalized plans for the Single Sustainable Campus plan, thus making this an opportune time for the SA to plan for their future as well.

The maximum budget set by Students’ Council for the study rings in at $60,000, a fee that is reasonable according to what MacEwan’s Facilities and Procurement Services had suggested, according to Holmgren.

“It is important to remember this is a maximum budget and that the bids we receive on it are hopefully much lower than that number,” explained Johns.

Much of the proposed budget will go towards paying the successful bidder to conduct their work, which will include, “consultations with students, with the executives, Students’ Council, university administration, facilities — all the players within MacEwan that they need to talk to about what this would look like,” said Holmgren.

A committee has been chosen to select the final bidder, with Students’ Council having the final say. The deadline for firms to apply is Jan. 14 with the proposals being reviewed the following week.

The successful bidder is required to submit ongoing reports as well as compile a final report. It is expected that these reports will reveal cost parameters as well as the most ideal outcome the SA should pursue.

The study will be concluded on April 15, at which time the final report will be presented to Students’ Council, as well as other involved parties at MacEwan.

“It’s a long process, but based on the recommendations we’ve received from Facilities and Procurement Services for MacEwan, they’ve said that’s a standard timeline,” said Holmgren.

Johns agrees, adding that the sooner the study is completed, the better, as MacEwan is in planning for the single sustainable campus for the future.

According to Johns, the study could reveal the possibility of having something similar to the University of Alberta’s Students’ Union Building (SUB).

Johns believes this would open many possibilities, including a more centralized space, as well as allowing a SA-owned bar to open up (Towers is currently owned by Aramark).

“As the university is currently putting together its plans for the Single Sustainable Campus it is critical that we create a comprehensive package and plan for our future as a student organization,” said Johns.

“I cannot stress enough how important this is and I hope students come to realize that this planning for five, 10, 15 years in advance will pay off. I know current students might not be around the institution at that time to see it, but we are trying to lay the groundwork for the success of future students at (MacEwan),” he said.

If students have questions or concerns, they are encouraged to contact Students’ Council. Contacts can be found at www.macewan.ca/sa.