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Algonquin College parking prices will increase later this year

Algonquin College students should expect a three per cent increase in campus parking permit prices in the 2023-2024 academic year. Each year, the price of parking is reviewed by Roch […]

Zaynab Safa

Photos: Zaynab Safa

February 9, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Zaynab Safa

Zahra El Haj Hassan paying for parking on campus.

Algonquin College students should expect a three per cent increase in campus parking permit prices in the 2023-2024 academic year.

Each year, the price of parking is reviewed by Roch Lafond, the parking manager at Algonquin College. The parking team makes suggestions on whether or not any necessary fee changes through the college procedure should be made.

The current costs are available on the Parking Services’ website up to August 2023.

Changes to the college’s fees are carefully studied when it comes to how much it costs to those who park at the college.

“I have to bus even though I have a car because parking is so expensive, and I live so far, so most of the time I’m extra late since buses never come on time,” said Issraa Haj Hassan, a first-year student in the academic upgrading program.

The price of the parking permits for Algonquin College has not increased since the start of the pandemic, according to an annual market review conducted by the parking service team. This was done to ensure that prices are competitive with other parking options available around the city.

Parking Services examines staffing, equipment and maintenance expenses and then proposes any necessary charge changes using the regular college process, which is evaluated at several levels before final approval.

“I started parking at school, but with everything else I have to buy, and the fact that I’m barely working due to school, I can’t keep up and wish the prices were less pricey,” said Zahra El Haj Hassan, a second-year student in the academic upgrading program.

The college reinvests the parking service’s revenue to support ongoing repairs, day-to-day operations and new college projects, according to the parking department.

Featured Story | News

Campus | Increase | Parking | Prices

Zaynab Safa

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Students look forward to skating on the Rideau Canal – soon?

As cold temperatures over the next week mean that the Rideau Canal Skateway may finally open for the season, some of Algonquin College’s international students from China are especially eager […]

Huijun Li

Photos: Huijun Li

February 9, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Huijun Li

"This year, I’ve been practicing with friends at the rink near the school in preparation for the skateway’s opening,” said Kaiwen Wu, (left) a web development and internet applications student. As for Weilu Wang, (right) a spring 2023 graduate the interior design program, she has skated on the canal once before. "I have fond memories of the experience, and I consider it fun and unique," she said.

As cold temperatures over the next week mean that the Rideau Canal Skateway may finally open for the season, some of Algonquin College’s international students from China are especially eager to lace up their skates.

“The whole family was looking forward to this event, having seen the canal skateway video online when I wasn’t in Ottawa and longed for it,” said Ling Ling, a first-year early childhood education student. “When I was a kid living in China, there was a small lake near my house that would occasionally freeze in the winter if it was cold enough, and I would go skate on it wearing regular shoes. I had never had the chance to skate on naturally formed ice before I came to Canada.”

Cold temperatures over the next week suggest that the opening of the Rideau Canal Skateway may be close at hand.

Ice skating on the 7.8-kilometres long Rideau Canal is a popular winter activity in Ottawa. However, due to weather conditions, the canal has yet to open this year. In 2022 and 2021, the opening dates were Jan. 14 and Jan. 28, respectively.

“Our snow and ice specialists need approximately 10 to 14 consecutive days of temperatures between -10 C and -20 C to prepare the canal for skating,” according to the NCC’s website.

Weilu Wang, a graduate of the interior design this coming spring, has visited the canal once before.

“I’ve only skated on the canal once when I borrowed skates from a friend because renting shoes there was too expensive, and the rental location was difficult to find,” said Wang. “But I have fond memories of the experience, and I consider it fun and unique.”

Wang’s friend, Kaiwen Wu, didn’t feel confident in her skating abilities when they visited the canal for the first time last year.

“I remember feeling intimidated by the professional skaters and the fast pace on the canal,” said Wu, a web development and internet applications student who is doing her co-op. “So, this year, I’ve been practicing with friends at the rink near the school in preparation for the skateway’s opening.”

That rink, in Centrepointe at Ben Franklin Place, is a refrigerated surface and has been open for skating all winter

International students mentioned that they would appreciate it if the school organized events to address the challenges of renting equipment or transportation.

“It would be wonderful if the school could organize a group outing for all interested parties,” said Wang. Wu nodded and agreed.

“I would eagerly anticipate this event, and I’ve never experienced anything like it in China,” said Qing Xu from the computer engineering technology-computing science program. “I hope that the school can organize a similar outing, and it would be convenient if it could be scheduled on a weekend so that I can manage my study schedule.”

Amanda Logan, the events programmer at the Students’ Association, says that due to unpredictable weather, students’ association will not be planning any canal trip as the opening times of the canal have yet to be confirmed.

Featured Story | Life

Centrepointe | Skating

Huijun Li

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‘Rarely used’ Wellness and Equity Centre closed last year

The Algonquin Students’ Association’s Wellness and Equity Centre, a space dedicated to the college’s 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies, closed permanently last year due to low attendance. The Wellness and Equity […]

TJ Sider

Photos: TJ Sider

February 8, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: TJ Sider

A painted sign directing people to the SA's Food Cupboard (formerly the Wellness and Equity Centre) with a pride-coloured pillar is shown on Feb. 8, 2023.

The Algonquin Students’ Association’s Wellness and Equity Centre, a space dedicated to the college’s 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies, closed permanently last year due to low attendance.

The Wellness and Equity Centre, formerly known as the Pride Centre, opened in 2016 and offered peer support, resources and education for the college’s 2SLGBTQ+ community. Senior management of the Students’ Association made the decision to close the space at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.

The former centre, which used to be located in room B102 in the B-building, is now occupied by the Students’ Association’s Food Cupboard.

In a written statement sent to the Algonquin Times, Matt Regnier, manager of board communications and process at the Students’ Association, said recommendations to close the space were made by former Wellness and Equity Centre coordinator Quinn Blue when they left the role last year.

“Quinn’s recommendation was to transition from a physical space to events and having more of a presence outside that office,” said Regnier. “The physical space was rarely used, and it was generally for social time rather than resources.”

However, Baz Belliveau, 24, disagrees with the decision to close the space. Belliveau, a Level 2 community and justice services student, is the leader of Algonquin College’s Pride Club.

“The lack of space for 2SLGBTQ students does raise concerns with me,” Belliveau said. “I think people forget that while acceptance of the many sexualities under the queer umbrella is improving, our trans siblings are still facing massive amounts of vitriol and having a space in the college to retreat to is massively important.”

Belliveau is also a candidate in the upcoming SA Board of Governors election. They view the return of the space as a priority if elected.

“If chosen for the position, I plan to bring this issue up with my fellow directors to see if we can discuss it and find a way to bring it back,” Belliveau said.

The Students’ Association’s diversity and inclusivity coordinator, Nakeya Francis, oversees the college’s 2SLGBTQ+ tailored events. While she couldn’t comment on the Wellness and Equity Centre specifically, she says she is proud of the work she has done in the Students’ Association.

“I am personally enjoying my job a lot — like, a lot,” Francis said. “I really enjoy putting on these great events for all our diverse students, no matter where they come from, who they are. The SA is really investing this year into celebrating everyone and their differences and making everyone feel welcome as best they can.”

Featured Story | News

Algonquin college | Lgbtq | Students' association | Wellness and Equity Centre

TJ Sider

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What you need to know about the SA Board of Directors election

There were 13 candidates undergoing a series of interviews for the Board of Directors positions at Algonquin College Students’ Association as of Feb. 7. Nominations for 2023-2024 Board of Directors […]

Mingan Wang

Photos: Mingan Wang

February 8, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Mingan Wang

Algonquin Students' Association Logo.

There were 13 candidates undergoing a series of interviews for the Board of Directors positions at Algonquin College Students’ Association as of Feb. 7.

Nominations for 2023-2024 Board of Directors election wrapped up at 4 p.m. on Jan. 20. Candidates who satisfied the nomination requirements by collecting no less than 50 endorsements were qualified for the interviews.

The Board of Directors is made up of full-time Algonquin College students who have paid all Students’ Association membership fees. Each November, nominations open to fill the seats on the board for the next academic year. The Board of Directors is responsible for voicing students’ needs and concerns to the Algonquin College administration.

This year’s nomination process started on Nov. 28, 2022. It attracted students who believe they have leadership skills.

Nicky Jaz, who is majoring in practical nursing, said the initial reason that prompted her to run for the position was her aspiration to help others.

“The opportunity was brought to my attention, and I know that Students’ Association does a lot with helping the students and students’ focus, I thought it was something I’d like to improve or help make it easier for the students”, Jaz said.

"I&squot;m thankful for this opportunity, and excited and see where it goes." said Nicky Jaz, who participated in the Board of Directors nominations. — "I'm thankful for this opportunity, and excited and see where it goes." said Nicky Jaz, who participated in the Board of Directors nominations. Photo credit: Mingan Wang

The election attracted the attention of many people, not just potential candidates, but also regular students .

“Who doesn’t want to be a part of the Student’s Association, but I have a busy schedule, I don’t think I can be that dedicated because I know it takes a lot, you have to talk to a lot of students and get their input, do surveys, it’s just a lot of work goes behind it”, said Sadia Ahmed, a student from interactive media design program.

“Back in the summer, the opening hours of the MarketPlace Cafeteria was very short, I wanted longer hours, so I reached out to the Students’ Association, the opening hour got extended later on, so I know they’re doing their job, and I hope the new Board of Directors will keep the good work,” Ahmed added.

The result of the election is far from being revealed, but there are already expectations from different groups.

Residence Service lead Kate Ardidon expressed her willingness to collaborate with the Board of Directors more in the future in terms of events for students.

“I feel like sometimes, maybe there’s a battle between the two in a sense where we have our own programming, and they have their own programming, and I think it would be really smart if we could put both of minds together and create programs in conjunction with the Students’ Association.” said Ardidon.

On March 16, there will be board meeting of directors-elect to accept nominations and call a general election for president and vice-president. The official campaign for presidential and vice-presidential candidates starts on March 17, followed by voting week before the result is revealed on March 31.

Featured Story | News

Elections | Students' association

Mingan Wang

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Canada to send $10 million to help with earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria

Local CTV News: Ottawa’s LRT service was temporarily stopped downtown on Tuesday due to a water leak in the Rideau Station tunnel. Although trains continued to run up the line, […]

Morgan Farrell

Photos:

February 8, 2023
Revised: February 8, 2023 4:00pm

Local

CTV News: Ottawa’s LRT service was temporarily stopped downtown on Tuesday due to a water leak in the Rideau Station tunnel.

Although trains continued to run up the line, they did not stop at Rideau Station for the duration of the leak. Emergency crews were fast to fix the problem, with service being restored roughly 30 minutes after the alarm went off.

Commuters were redirected to R1 buses for the duration of the emergency with staff on sight to assist people with their commutes.

National

The Globe and Mail: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Tuesday that he is pledging a funding increase of $46.2 billion over the next 10 years toward Canada’s Healthcare system. This increase would bring the total Healthcare spending from the federal government to $196.1 billion.

The prime Minister’s announcement has been met with praise from most of the premiers of the country, although some Indigenous leaders have expressed concern that they have not been properly consulted.

The funding would come with some stipulations, such as $25 billion over 10 years would have to be dedicated to shared priorities such as family care and investments in mental health.

International

Global News: As rescue efforts continue at a diligent pace in Turkey and Syria after series of earthquakes devastated the two countries, Ottawa has pledged $10 million in assistance as part of an international aid package.

For now, search and rescue teams are working around the clock, while the death toll in Turkey now exceeds 3,500 people and is expected to rise, with 22,000 injuries. Syria has reported over 1,600 deaths and 3,600 injuries.

Search and rescue teams from all over the world are heading to help the areas impacted by the earthquakes. The Canadian government is still considering sending their disaster response team to assist with rescue operations and medical aid.

News

News briefs | News curation

Morgan Farrell

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Valentine’s Crosswords

Akansha Suri

Photos:

February 8, 2023
Revised: February 8, 2023 1:38pm

Activities | Fun Stuff

Akansha Suri

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Valentine’s Day Activity

Akansha Suri

Photos:

February 8, 2023
Revised: February 8, 2023 1:36pm

Activities | Fun Stuff

Akansha Suri

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Wolves women finish home volleyball schedule with a pair of wins

The Algonquin Wolves women’s volleyball team warmed up winter and served up a weekend of wins. Friday and Saturday marked the final home games for the Wolves women’s volleyball team. […]

Kerry Slack

Photos: Kerry Slack

February 6, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Kerry Slack

Kristina Renwick spikes the ball against the Canadore Panthers on Saturday.

The Algonquin Wolves women’s volleyball team warmed up winter and served up a weekend of wins.

Friday and Saturday marked the final home games for the Wolves women’s volleyball team.

The Wolves started their weekend with a 3-0 win over the Georgian Grizzlies on Friday.

It was touch and go in the first set until an ankle injury to Grizzlies’ Lauren Webb gave the Wolves the opportunity to seize the set, 25-16.

The Wolves’ inconsistencies leveled out in the second set with strong performances from Kieran Raymo and Natasha Lauzon.

“We started fairly well. We had a few hiccups,” said the head coach of the Wolves, Everton Senior. “Once we picked up our game in the middle of the first set and through the second set, we were a lot better.”

Sabaath Mannucci pulled out a hard hit in the final minute and the Wolves won the set, 25-20.

“We had a nice service run in the third set. It gave us a nice cushion,” said Senior.

Coming out strong in the third set the Wolves win the set, 25-22, for the shutout.

Saturday’s game started with an awards ceremony for the seniors who will graduate this spring.

Recognized were Morgan Ott, Kristina Renwick, Hanna Tuinstra and Mannucci.

“Canadore beat us last time. They are a tough team,” said Senior.

The whole first set was tight, but with a spike, Ott sent the serve back to the Wolves.

Maddy Nadeau followed up with two spikes for points 24 and 25 in the set, for the 25-18 win.

The Panthers came out ready in the second set and the Wolves couldn’t catch up. Canadore took the second set 25-10.

Set three saw Erin Cunningham and Nadeau delivering slam after slam, and with strong defensive backup, the Wolves won a hard-fought set, 25-20.

The fourth set was another battle showing the Wolves’ determination.

Renwick, Ott and Nadeau continued their reign, putting down point after point, taking the set 25-20, for the 3-1 win.

“Canadore is a very good team. They’re ranked fifth in Ontario, so, we knew it was going to be a struggle,” Senior said. “The girls came out and played really well and we took the W.”

Ott, on her last home game with Algonquin, said, “It was awesome. That was a tough game we just played. We lost to them in the first semester. We beat them in the tournament. It was a really good win. It was huge for us seniors to win our last home game.”

The Wolves hope to keep their winning streak next weekend against George Brown and Centennial in their final games of the season.

Featured Story | Sports & Recreation

Canadore panthers | Georgian college | Wolves | Women's volleyball

Kerry Slack

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Wolves men’s volleyball team beats top-ranked Grizzlies during 1-1 weekend

The Algonquin Wolves men’s volleyball team ended its weekend 1-1 after beating the top-ranked team in the province. The Wolves came out strong in the first set against first-place Georgian […]

Andrew Sorokan

Photos: Andrew Sorokan

February 5, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Andrew Sorokan

Prasanah Jeyapalasingham spikes the ball past two Georgian Grizzlies on the way to a 3-1 win Friday night.

The Algonquin Wolves men’s volleyball team ended its weekend 1-1 after beating the top-ranked team in the province.

The Wolves came out strong in the first set against first-place Georgian Grizzlies Friday night, with a 26-24 win to put them up 1-0.

The first set was tight, with the majority of it tied. Only two times in the first set did the Wolves trail.

The Wolves came out strong in the second set. They got out to a 17-10 point lead, and things looked promising. However, Georgian still had some fight in them. The Grizzlies went on a seven-point run and brought the set within two points.

After the seven-point run, Wolves coach Jelle Kooijman called a timeout and helped his team regroup.

“It’s a mental game at that point. Sometimes in volleyball, they do something really good a few times in a row, and they get points,” said Kooijman, when asked later what his message was during the timeout. “We earned that lead, so we had the luxury, and we had to stay calm and execute our game plan to get back in the game.”

The timeout helped the team as they were able to win the second set 25-23 without ever trailing and took the 2-0 lead.

The third set was all back and forth, with the lead changing multiple times. The Wolves kept it close, but the Grizzlies took the last three points to ensure a 25-22 win.

With the sets at 2-1, the Wolves needed to come out strong in the fourth set to ensure a win.

The Wolves took the early lead in the fourth and final set of the game. They went back and forth with the Grizzlies before they jumped up by seven points and didn’t look back on their way to a 25-17 win in set four and a 3-1 victory.

“We executed what we knew we can do, and that’s something we’ve been chasing all season, and we really rose to the challenge. We battled, we put in all the energy and the guys are pretty gassed,” said Kooijman.

“They are a good team. They are consistent and just played a good game. We really wanted to win that,” said Jacob Matheson, the Wolves’ setter.

“This shows we have the potential to be the best team in Ontario,” said Matheson.

The Wolves’ game on Saturday against the Canadore Panthers didn’t go as hoped.

The Panthers and Wolves went back and forth in the first set, but the Panthers narrowly edged the Wolves 26-24.

The second set went the Wolves’ way, with Algonquin taking a 25-20 win to even up the scoreboard at 1-1.

With the game tied, Algonquin pulled ahead for a convincing 11-point victory in set number three with a score of 25-14. However, Canadore bounced back in the next set with a seven-point win to push the game into a fifth and final set.

In the fifth set, Canadore managed to get the upper hand and win the set 15-10 and the game 3-2. The loss marked the end of the Wolves’ eight-game winning streak.

The Wolves are looking to start a new winning streak with their next game at the George Brown Huskies on Feb. 10.

Featured Story | Sports & Recreation

Georgian grizzlies | Men's volleyball | Wolves

Andrew Sorokan

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Algonquin ranks third among Canadian colleges for research partnerships

Algonquin College made a major jump on Research Infosource Inc.’s list of the 50 top research colleges in Canada, ranking third in 2022. Algonquin was 46 in the 2021 rankings. […]

Blaire Waddell

Photos: Blaire Waddell

February 5, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Blaire Waddell

Lara Wang (left), Helen Wong (middle) and Ilgin Akgun (right), shown here on Jan. 26 at Algonquin College, are students in the interdisciplinary studies in human-centred design.

Algonquin College made a major jump on Research Infosource Inc.’s list of the 50 top research colleges in Canada, ranking third in 2022.

Algonquin was 46 in the 2021 rankings.

Sheridan College ranked number one for research colleges in 2022 with 257 completed projects, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic ranked second with 208 completed projects.

Algonquin College recorded 168 completed research partnerships and 155 completed research projects last year.

The college has supported three major research partnerships and projects that provide students with professional experiences within their programs and prepare them for the working world.

The college’s three research projects and partnerships for 2022 are the Data Analytics Centre and Social Innovation Lab for research partnerships, and the Victimology Research Centre for research projects.

The Data Analytics Centre focuses on helping companies adapt and develop solutions for major data-related technologies and business practices.

The Victimology Research Centre works in partnership with non-profit organizations with municipal, provincial and federal government stakeholders to study victimization, resilience and survivor’s experiences.

The Social Innovation Lab is a critical element of Algonquin College, providing an opportunity for students, staff and faculty to work within the community for the public good.

After hearing that Algonquin ranked third for research colleges, Helen Wong, a student in interdisciplinary studies in human-centred design, noted that the recognition will benefit students.

“This will benefit with job hunting after graduating, with the research and work Algonquin offers, and jobs will like to see we ranked third,” said Wong.

First-year business-marketing student Joshua Giesbrecht believes it will be a major selling point for Algonquin.

“Ranking top three definitely will appeal to the people who need access to more information, people, and resources,” Giesbrecht said. “It will also imply a better education than those ranked lower because more partnerships and research also means more information and learning resources will be readily available.”

“My program is going very well and is helping with my skills and professionalism,” said Lara Wang, a student in interdisciplinary studies in human-centred design.

With being ranked 46 in 2021 for top research colleges, and now third in 2022, Algonquin College has supported three major research projects and partnerships. Such as the Social Innovation Lab, Victimology Research Centre and the Data Analytics Centre.

Featured Story | News

Canadian | Research