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Kamloops vying for 2015 Canada Games

Kristian Rasmussen - Omega Contributor

Students living in residence may be displaced if Kamloops wins the 2015 Canada Games Bid. Yet, most TRU senators still voted in favour of it last week.

“A TRU focus of the venue would be incredible national exposure for the university; this would be a wonderful opportunity for us,” said Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Roger Barnsley.

In 2007 the Winter Games drew in a whopping $100 million according to the Ministry of Health and Sport.

Despite the possibility of national exposure and financial opportunity, not all Senators were on board with the plan. Senator Penny Powers voted against the proposal.

“I don’t think we have enough information; I know it would be valuable to the city but I worry about academics,” she said.

Powers was also concerned that the plan for the games would likely involve relocating students in residence for up to two weeks.

“If we have to kick students off campus I am not in favour,” Powers said.

Student representative, Sarah Burchnall, abstained from the vote and questioned the impact the games would have on students after it was revealed that housing athletes could result in a longer reading break and term.

“Is this going to delay graduation dates for students getting into the job market?” she said.

TRU Senator, Bernie Kirkey was also concerned as to the extension of reading break.

“Extending the semester can result in a major loss of income to many students regardless whether they are graduating or returning,” she said. “Trying to jam 13 weeks of classes into a 12 week period can be very difficult if not impossible in courses where the content to be covered barely fits into the time currently available.”

According to Kirkey, if the problems regarding semester length is solved that still only covers one side of the issue.

“I can't imagine asking all the students living in residence to pack up and leave for two weeks in the middle of the winter semester," she said.

According to Barnsley, students will not suffer financially from the games.

“If students need to spend another week it will be at no cost,” he said.

Barnsley also reiterated that the application is still only in a preliminary stage.

“There is very strong competition for the games; if we do in fact win the bid we would still have three years to plan for it,” he said.

Kelowna and Prince George are also vying for the chance to host the games.

“I don’t think we will be breaking new ground on these events; all we have to do is look at how universities are going to handle the Olympics,” said Senator Murray Young.

The 2015 games will include up to 3600 athletes and their support crew from the 13 provinces and territories and will involve 20 different winter sports.