Page 18 – Algonquin Times

Algonquin College student premiering mini-docuseries on women’s basketball Wolves

Starting with an ambitious idea, Kenya Jackson has poured months of dedication into the project with a scheduled June 5 premiere

Jade Louise Greenwood

Photos: Supplied by Kenya Jackson

May 30, 2025
Revised: May 30, 2025 12:17pm

Photo: Supplied by Kenya Jackson

Kenya Jackson, the 19-year-old producer and director of the Wolves mini-docuseries.

Kenya Jackson, a 19-year-old Algonquin College student in the television and streaming video program, created a mini-docuseries for the Wolves women’s basketball team, which will premiere on June 5 at the Algonquin Commons Theatre.

“I feel like myself and my team have been working so hard at this for the last five months,” Jackson said. “This is the perfect opportunity to share it with everyone.”

Jackson knew from the start she wanted to work with one of the college sports teams for her final project, and she was incredibly inspired by the Wolves.

The Wolves team linking arms in the Algonquin College Gymnasium. Photo credit: Supplied by Kenya Jackson

“The more I got to know the girls, the more I realized the real story,” Jackson said. “I realized this doc series was bound to be more than just basketball, more than these powerhouse girls and their dedication to the game. This story was about their sisterhood. The true love that they have for each other…It was their relationship that drew me to tell this story.”

Her parents and older brother, Keiron Jackson, have sat through hours of workshopping plans. They’ve seen all her rough cuts and have given their honest opinions. Her brother said they have had a great part in helping make this series.

“Seeing how far she’s taken her talents and how much great work she’s been able to do with it is amazing.” Keiron Jackson said. “She was 100 per cent made for this, and I’m so happy that the premiere is gonna be a big celebration of her work.”

Kenya Jackson’s dedication to her project has been seen throughout her time at the college, especially by Matthew McCooeye, a professor and program coordinator for the television and streaming video program.

“Kenya’s team did a terrific job on this project,” McCooeye said. “They went above and beyond the course requirements to tell this story and put in countless hours, planning, shooting, and editing. It was an ambitious undertaking, and I’m very happy for them that they will share it with an audience.”

Jackson's team is interviewing a player from the Wolves team. From left to right, Jared McAuley, Kent Dunscombe, and Liv Kelly, interviewing Maddie Roberts. — From left to right, Jared McAuley, Kent Dunscombe, and Liv Kelly, interviewing Maddie Roberts. Photo credit: Supplied by Kenya Jackson

Jackson is eager to present the final product to a wide audience.

“It’s a huge honour to have such a big community supporting me and anticipating the show,” Jackson said. “However, that same anticipation is also what’s adding to the nerves. No pressure! Nonetheless, I am very happy to finally be able to share this project that I’ve been so passionate about.”

Jackson is thrilled to have had the opportunity to put a spotlight on the Wolves team.

“It’s been a journey to get here, and I don’t think any of us expected this to blow up so much,” Jackson said. “I think we all thought it would be a 20-minute video that was shown in a classroom, not a full-blown docuseries shown in a 700-seat theatre.”

Jackson will continue her passion by going into a postgraduate program for interactive media management this upcoming year.

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Spring Clubsfest invites current students to explore new, inclusive communities

The Algonquin Students' Association held its spring Clubsfest event for students seeking year-round community connections

Mila Leclair

Photos: Mila Leclair

May 30, 2025
Revised: May 30, 2025 9:39am

Photo: Mila Leclair

(From left to right) Mayank Raj, Shipra Maheshwari, and Ekam Singh Bhatia pictured on May 21 in the Student Commons, encouraging students to join Sky Campus Happiness Club.

The Algonquin Students’ Association hosted its seasonal Clubsfest on May 21 in Student Commons, inviting students to browse the college’s roster of clubs.

Shipra Maheshwari, a Sky Campus Happiness Club representative, said the power of meditation has helped bring students together.

“Being a student, in what we have experienced, there is a lot of stress and anxiety. But practically, we don’t know any tools. Going out with friends is a temporary solution, but at the end of the day, you are with yourself. So, what are you doing for yourself?” Maheshwari said. “The club is comprehensive. It’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being that we help people monitor through their own power of breath.

“We have a wide range of events planned and weekly meditation sessions on-campus,” Maheshwari added. “Our retreats include breathing practices that are very practical. I am here because I was practising those same techniques when I was 16 and I have really benefitted from them.”

The club is currently organizing a retreat where, for three to four days, two hours a day, it will teach meditative breathing techniques that organizers say are scientifically proven to boost mental health.

The spring Clubsfest did not disappoint despite a quiet term, with the event offering a glimpse of how unifying Algonquin College’s student community can be.

“I am a student here and I’m in computer programming. I just noticed that there’s not a lot of female representation, and it’s hard,” said Kira Evans, a computer programming student and leader of The Ada Sisterhood, a club for women in tech. “Tech is hard to get into and it’s hard to do, so I think we need to stick together.”

Evans shared her hopes for the club this summer.

“The co-op field is very competitive, and unfortunately, a lot of students were unable to secure something,” Evans said. “This is why I want to volunteer with an organization. I haven’t found one yet, but I want to volunteer our skills to provide real-world work experience so students can still get the co-op experience. We could provide tech support and help update websites on a volunteer basis.”

The Ada Sisterhood will be hosting an all-women’s networking event in the fall, sponsored by Nokia.

Pride Club leaders want more opportunities for community engagement outside of searching for help and resources. LGBTQ+ people on campus now have a place to connect.

“We aim to join Pride month. The college will have a truck during the Pride parade downtown. We all get to be a part of that,” said Dani Nhu, a human-centred design graduate and full-time lab researcher. “We have people inside of the college as a part of the club, and also alumni. So, as a full-time researcher in the lab, I can still be a part of the Pride Club.”

Although a variety of cultural clubs exist on campus, many still do not. Diversity Club wants to fill these gaps. With a passion for representing all cultures within the college community, the club provides a space for any student looking to teach or learn from different cultures.

(From left to right) Aj Cyrill Dy, Devansh Sharma, and Clay Dimara at their Diversity Club display in the Student Commons on May 21. — (From left to right) Aj Cyrill Dy, Devansh Sharma and Clay Dimara at their Diversity Club display in the Student Commons on May 21. Photo credit: Mila Leclair

“If you’re from Canada, you might as well meet people from all around the world, not just your culture,” said Devansh Sharma, a Diversity Club member. “If you look at other clubs, they are quite particular. We want to bring all the people together in one club and have fun whilst meeting people from all around the world.”

Diversity Club wants to explore different cultures, provide a space for all, and embrace the diversity at Algonquin College.

“I mentioned this at the previous Clubsfest,” said Diversity Club member Clay Dimara. “That the way I market the club is also to address the minority groups that are here. Some countries are underrepresented. Some students come from countries that barely have a population here. This is a space for them.”

Students looking to join a club and build their community can visit AlgonquinClubs.com for more information.

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Algonquin College student’s death inspires family to raise money for cancer research

Jonathan Bettles, who passed away in early April, created a fundraiser to support cancer research

Jade Louise Greenwood

Photos: Supplied by Catherine Bourdeau

May 29, 2025
Revised: May 29, 2025 2:24pm

Photo: Supplied by Catherine Bourdeau

Catheirne Bourdeau and her brother, Jonathan Bettles, together as children.

Catherine Bourdeau and Janelle Blais are mourning an irreplaceable loss: the passing of Jonathan Bettles, Bourdeau’s beloved 19-year-old brother and Blais’s cherished cousin.

“He recognized that his cancer was pretty rare and aggressive, and even through that, he wanted to fight,” Bourdeau said. “But I think he wanted to help out anybody that he could help who was going through something similar, so the next person wouldn’t have to go through what he did, that there would be something to help.”

“It’s been hard for the whole family, for sure,” Blais said. “We lost someone that was a big person in our life.”

Janelle Blais and Catherine Bourdeau on May 12. — Janelle Blais (left) and Catherine Bourdeau, pictured on May 12. They have taken on the fundraiser and have continued to show their support for Jonathan Bettles. Photo credit: Jade Louise Greenwood

Bettles was a construction student at Algonquin College who died at the beginning of April. He had a type of lymphoma cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting immune system.

“Even through all his treatments, he still had a good sense of humour,” Blais said. “When we would visit him in the hospital, he would always have something witty to say.”

No matter what he went through, Bettles continued to be a shining light in everyone’s eyes. He never stopped cracking jokes to lighten the mood, effortlessly turning even the most sad moments into laughter-filled memories.

“He had a personality that just pulled people in,” Bourdeau said.

Bettles was a part of a beer hockey league, a community that brought him joy and camaraderie, where he spent most of his time.

His beer league came together and supported Bettles. They all buzzed their hair in support and pooled their money to buy him a Lego set, which was one of the things that kept Bettles busy at home while going through his chemo treatments.

Jonathan Bettles' family. His sister, Catherine Bourdeau, cousins Janelle and Jereme Blais and Jonathan Bettles, the youngest, all chearing for the Ottawa Senators. — Jonathan Bettles' family (left to right): Sister Catherine Bourdeau, cousins Janelle and Jéréme Blais and Bettles, the youngest, all cheering for the Ottawa Senators as children. Photo credit: Supplied by Catherine Bourdeau

His cousin, Jérémie Blais, came up with the idea.

“I just wanted to support Johnny and make him feel more comfortable with the situation he was in,” Jéréme Blais said. “Because with the chemo, he was losing his hair and everything, so I just thought it would be a great idea to get all the guys together and just show our support towards him. So we all decided to shave our heads.”

Bettles cared and gave so much to his family and community. Along with Bourdeau and Janelle Blais, Bettles started a fundraiser for the CAR-T cell therapy research. This type of therapy is a way to get immune cells called T-cells to fight cancer by changing them in the lab to make them into a weapon against other cancer cells.

“Go big or go home,” he would say, and they did, by raising $10,000 over their goal. They continue to raise money for cancer research and honour his life.

People can visit their page and donate on the Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s website.

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AC students struggle to keep up with soaring subscription costs

Entertainment subscriptions are becoming increasingly expensive, making students share accounts and cut back on non-essential services

William Barritt

Photos: William Barritt

May 29, 2025
Revised: May 29, 2025 1:39pm

Photo: William Barritt

How are students managing high subscription costs.

Multiple entertainment services, including Netflix and Spotify, have raised their prices in Canada over the past six months, forcing students to consider how they manage their subscriptions.

Some students, such as Nithenya Ramachendrabarabbhu, prioritize functional subscriptions as opposed to entertainment services because of the value they bring.

“It annoys me,” Ramachendrabarabbhu said about price increases. “I prefer paying for something like Amazon Prime because Netflix just gives you entertainment, but with Amazon, at least you save money by buying online. If I see any other subscriptions raise their prices I will skip on them.”

Spotify increased its standard monthly subscriptions from $10.99 to $12.69 in December. Just one month later, on Jan. 21 , Netflix introduced a $2 increase to all plans bringing their monthly subscriptions up to $30.

Edana Hollinger, a health and fitness student, does not mind the price increases as long as they reflect the rest of the economy.

“The best thing is that everything goes up at the same time, and we’re not paying more for our software than what we pay to live,” Hollinger said.

Hollinger also feels that she doesn’t want to criticize the increasing prices without doing her due diligence on the issue.

“I also don’t like to complain too much unless I’m putting in the work to make a change,” Hollinger said. “Most people just voice things and do nothing about it after.”

In a recent statement, Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos justified the decision.

“You know, when you’re going to ask for a price increase, you better make sure you have the goods and the engagement to back it up,” Sarandos said in Netflix’s fourth-quarter earnings call on Jan 22.

Many students across Algonquin College are feeling the impact of these costly subscription fees

Brock Barclay has been using his parents’ Spotify plan but is still unhappy with the prices.

Brock Barclay in T building, May 22. — Brock Barclay, photographed on May 22 in the T-building. Barclay is on his parents Spotify plan to listen for his music. Photo credit: William Barritt

“For a college student that doesn’t have much cash flow, I couldn’t afford it without working away my weekends. If my parents stop paying for it, I don’t know what I’d do,” Barclay said.

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ARC kicks off the spring term with patio Trivia Night at the Wolves Den

Wolves Den staff are excited to begin the new term with the reopening of the outdoor patio for Algonquin College students

Scott Crowell

Photos: Scott Crowell

May 26, 2025
Revised: May 26, 2025 5:34pm

Photo: Scott Crowell

Amanda Logan hosts trivia night at the Wolves Den on May 21.

The Wolves Den reopened the doors to the patio for Algonquin College students this month, with patio trivia night kicking off the spring term.

The Wolves Den hosted trivia night on May 21 and there was a full turnout.

With the Observatory’s chairs up and doors closed for the spring term, the Wolves Den in the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre has students’ full attention as patio season begins.

Amanda Logan, a freelance trivia host who hosted her first trivia night at the college, was impressed by the large turnout.

“I’m very happy with it, we actually packed the place. We were full of teams, so I’m really happy with the turnout and making my first trivia night here at the college a fun one,” said Logan.

Amanda Logan, a freelance trivia host, hosts trivia night at the Wolves Den on Wednesday, May 21. — Amanda Logan hosts trivia night at the Wolves Den on May 21. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

Logan is looking forward to coming back and hosting more fun events at the Wolves Den, including the next trivia night in July.

Danny Subia, a staff member at the restaurant, is hopeful that students will continue to come to the Wolves Den for events like trivia night.

“As much as it won’t be busy like the fall and winter semesters, I encourage everyone, including professors and other staff members, to come out and join in the festivities we are offering this semester during the summer with fun activities on the patio and inside the Wolves Den,” said Subia.

Sai Benedicto, manager at the Wolves Den, was one of the key influences on the decision to reopen the patio for staff and students.

Benedicto said the patio provides more space for the restaurant and gives students another option during nice weather.

The Wolves Den has a lot of plans to bring more people to the pub for events, food and drink and especially on the patio after reopening it on May 7.

Benedcito said the Wolves Den plans to host a karaoke night on the patio June 18 and promote new offers, such as happy hour on Fridays and discounted pizza.

Naomi Runstedtler, a film and media production student, participated in trivia night and was impressed with how many people came to the event.

Naomi Runstedtler answering questions at Trivia night on Wednesday, May 21. — Naomi Runstedtler answers questions at trivia night on May 21. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

“It was a fun time, and the host was interactive with everyone, even asked what questions we wanted repeated. There was this urge to win that was felt around the Den that even I felt myself so that made it more intense for my team,” said Runstedtler.

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Campus Food Cupboard benefits from successful Thrift Store event

The Thrift Store concluded on a great note, with the Food Cupboard appreciative of all the support and donations

Jade Louise Greenwood

Photos: Jade Louise Greenwood

May 23, 2025
Revised: May 23, 2025 3:33pm

Photo: Jade Louise Greenwood

The Students' Association Thrift Store happened in E-building on May 20 and 21.

The Students’ Association’s Thrift Store received positive feedback and was well-received by students, making it a standout event and initiative.

Food Cupboard coordinator Abby Muir, who organized the event and coordinated donations, was impressed with the turnout.

Abby Muir, event coordinator, giving a receipt to students who arrive and donate to the Food Cupboard. — Abby Muir, event coordinator, organizing funds given to the Food Cupboard. Photo credit: Jade Louise Greenwood

“So far, it’s been a success,” said Muir as she oversaw the event on May 20. “It’s kinda been a rush. It’s been busy, which is great. I am just so glad it all came together so well.”

The Thrift Store ran on May 20 and 21 in Room 206 of the E-building.

Veronica Sanchez, a Students’ Association events assistant, and Akhilesh Narotra, a Food Cupboard assistant, played vital supporting roles in ensuring the success of the Thrift Store, working behind the scenes supporting Muir.

Veronica Sanchez, Students' Association events assistant, organizing clothing on table. — Veronica Sanchez, Students' Association events assistant, organizing clothing on a table. Photo credit: Jade Louise Greenwood

“So many people have shown up, and the things people have donated are insane,” said Sanchez. “Like, have you seen the kitchenware? This stuff is worth over $50, and this is, once again, a give-what-you-can situation, so practically free. I am just so excited to be a part of this.”

Many shoppers, like Gil Skoll and Sarah Pulles, were impressed by the variety of affordable items.

Sarah Pulles, Gil Skoll, and Claire Robinson look through clothing at the Thrift Store. Photo credit: Jade Louise Greenwood

“This event is so important and should absolutely be done more often,” said Skoll. “It is a great support for others. Look at everything I got, I am so glad we stopped by. I think it’s beautiful.”

“It has been a wonderful experience. Everyone is so nice, and it’s going to a great cause,” added Pulles.

SA staff will begin tallying the donations from the Thrift Store next week.

Muir is preparing to hold a thrift event once every semester. This means students will have regular opportunities to shop sustainably, find unique secondhand treasures and donate to the Food Cupboard.

To keep the momentum going, donation drop-offs will be scheduled ahead of each event, encouraging the campus community to participate by giving pre-loved clothing and accessories a second life.

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Popular Jamaican comedian Dale Elliott Jr. kicks off world tour at Algonquin Commons Theatre

The large English Caribbean population in Ottawa enjoyed a comedy show with a taste of Jamaica, right on campus

Janella Milord Ashford

Photos: Janella Milord Ashford

May 23, 2025
Revised: May 23, 2025 3:14pm

Photo: Janella Milord Ashford

Dale Elliott Jr. performing a comedy show at the Algonquin Commons Theatre.

Jamaican-born actor and comedian Dale Elliott Jr. says the crowds here are so receptive, he specifically chose Ottawa for the first stop of his international Son of an Immigrant tour.

“At the start of my last tour No Hard Feelings, I did it in Ottawa,” said Elliott during an interview with the Algonquin Times. “It turned out so well, I told myself I’d start here.”

The May 16 show at the Algonquin Commons Theatre had the crowd in a frenzy as Elliott cartwheeled onto the stage before landing a backflip. People were excited and joyful, enjoying an evening filled with tears and laughter.

A picture of the crowd and Dale Elliott Jr. on stage during his performance at the Algonquin Commons Theatre. Photo credit: Janella Milord Ashford

“It was my first comedy show ever, and I was not disappointed. Dale seems very genuine and told stories that we could all relate to as Caribbean kids,” said Triston Douglas.

Tifanni Kenny, the theatre bookings coordinator, explained how organizers were able to bring the entertainer back to Canada.

“I actually saw Dale perform at Yuk Yuk’s in the west end last February. I asked how to connect with his manager about future bookings and mentioned the Commons Theatre. Once I had the right contact, I kept an eye out for his next tour, and here we are,” said Kenny.

“It was a real full-circle moment and a proud one for me. I’ve been a fan of his for a long time, so having him come to our theatre was definitely a personal and professional highlight.”

Dale Elliott Jr. performing at the Algonquin Commons Theatre. Photo credit: Provided by Danika Lange

Elliott began his career in comedy through social media. Growing up, he would share videos of himself mocking his grandmother online. Many people, he said, felt they could relate to his stories and they loved the content.

“I’ve always loved figuring out how to make people laugh, since I was a child to now,” said Elliott. “ I also need you to feel my pain. I need you to understand me. I need to bring you on the journey with me.”

Elliott doesn’t just make people laugh. He starred in the award-winning Netflix movie Sprinter where he played a Jamaican teen burdened by an unstable father and an unruly older brother, trying to conquer circumstances by focusing on track and field. He’s also dabbled in music, and his single Lover Boy is available on all streaming platforms.

Photograph of Dale Elliott Jr. — Dale Elliott Jr. in the green room of the Algonquin Commons Theatre. Photo credit: Janella Milord Ashford

Elliott’s determination to succeed helps him keep focus.

“Perseverance and never stopping. I believe in creating my own opportunities,” said Elliott.

Elliott, who is now based in Los Angeles, has a platform called ElliMedia that runs his creative projects in podcasting and producing.

”I have an LLC and my touring company, so I was like, look, I’m gonna start my own podcast. I lease a studio, and I bought a bunch of equipment to be able to shoot my own specials,” said Elliott.

Elliott’s team releases a new podcast episode every Monday and Thursday on his YouTube channel, Dale Elliott TV, which has 126,000 subscribers.

If you missed the show at Algonquin College, don’t be bummed. Elliott returns to Canada for more appearances this year in Halifax, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto between September and November.

Tickets for his upcoming shows are available on T icketmaster.

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News briefs: 40-year-old man charged with impaired canoeing

Top stories in your community and around the world as noted by Algonquin Times journalists

Vasuman Ravichandran

Photos:

May 22, 2025
Revised: May 22, 2025 10:45pm

Local

Ottawa Citizen: A 40-year-old man was charged with impaired operation of a watercraft and not wearing a flotation device after his canoe capsized on Golden Lake on May 17 during high winds.

He made it to shore safely and was taken to hospital for assessment. Police used an alcohol screening device and confirmed impairment. His driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days and he is scheduled to appear in court on June 16.

The OPP reminded the public that operating any watercraft while impaired is illegal under the Criminal Code, regardless of whether the vessel is motorized.

National

CBC: Canada Post is facing a potential strike by its 55,000 employees on Friday if a new collective agreement isn’t reached. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers cited unresolved issues from a previous strike in late 2024, which was ended by a government order.

Canada Post is in financial trouble, having lost $3 billion since 2017, with a 2023 loss of $748 million. With declining letter volumes and increased competition in parcel delivery, the company is struggling.

The union opposes proposed changes, including part-time weekend work. If a strike occurs, mail and parcel services will be suspended nationwide.

International

CBC: During a White House meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing South Africa of widespread killings of white farmers and land seizures. His claims were based on misinformation.

Trump presented videos and articles to support his allegations, while Ramaphosa denied them, asserting that such actions were not government policy and not factual. Trump had already cut U.S. aid to South Africa and welcomed white farmers as refugees.

Relations between the two countries have worsened, with Trump criticizing South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies.

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Algonquin College urges students to protect property after locker break-ins

In response to recent break-ins, the college sent an email offering pointers to keep personal items safe

Mickey Banks

Photos: Michael Banks

May 22, 2025
Revised: May 22, 2025 2:15pm

Photo: Michael Banks

Namira Keshavjee, a part-time sales associate at the campus store, stands next to locks for sale.

Algonquin College students are continuing to keep their property safe as the college receives reports of locker break-ins.

On May 8, the college locker services sent an email to locker users about the recent break-ins. They gave three tips on how to help protect yourself.

The first tip was to make sure you have a good lock.

“I’m not concerned about (people) breaking into my locker ‘cause I have a lock. And it’s a decent lock, it’s one of the combo ones,” said Khala Kuntz, who’s taking dental assisting.

Khala Kuntz looking through her locker in J-building. Photo credit: Michael Banks

The second tip was to not keep valuable items in your locker.

“I always make sure that my lock is on and I don’t keep any electronics in there, only school supplies,” said Hannah Bui, who’s in the esthetician program.

Hannah Bui in front of the lockers in A-building. Photo credit: Michael Banks

However, Bui does keep school supplies in her locker.

“The supplies that we use are really expensive and I’d be concerned if any of them got stolen,” said Bui.

Esthetician kits consist of many skin care and makeup tools cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to purchase.

Some students are wondering why anyone would go through the trouble to break into someone’s locker.

“If someone’s stuff gets stolen, there’s no lock, I wouldn’t be surprised at all,” said Farrah Boyuk, who’s also in the esthetician program. “But I guess if there is people just cutting locks or breaking in, I don’t know, I just can’t picture someone doing that,” said Boyuk.

Boyuk hasn’t needed her kits for class recently, so she’s keeping them at home.

“Honestly, the only thing in my locker right now is I have a bag with towels, there’s a waxing kit,” said Boyuk. “So, really nothing super expensive. I’d be really surprised if someone broke in and stole my bag of towels. Then I guess they really needed the towels, they can have them at that point.”

A row of lockers in N-building. Photo credit: Michael Banks

The last tip from the college was if it looks like someone is behaving odd, you can call college security at 613-727-4723, extension 5000.

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Program coordinator Colin Mills elected president of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition

A guitarist, teacher and coordinator of the music industry arts program, Mills is eager to begin his new position at OMIC and create new opportunities

Janella Milord Ashford

Photos: Supplied by Colin Mills

May 22, 2025
Revised: May 22, 2025 2:02pm

Photo: Supplied by Colin Mills

Colin Mills playing the guitar during a show.

Music industry arts program coordinator Colin Mills is the new president of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC).

After sitting on the board of directors for over a decade, Mills said he is thrilled to have been appointed president of OMIC.

“I think it was a natural transition for me,” said Mills. “It’s pretty exciting to be in this role at the stage of the organization.”

OMIC is a non-profit as sociation with a goal to lead the economic, cultural and social prosperity of Ottawa-Gatineau by creating a thriving and inclusive music scene. OMIC provides supports for local artists, music professionals and venue owners.

OMIC staff and board of directors posing for a picture at a press conference. — OMIC staff and board of directors pose for a picture at a Capital Music Awards press conference. Photo credit: Supplied by Colin Mills

Mills is one of the founding board members of OMIC, and since the organization’s evolution, is the last one standing among new members. Mills said he had his students’ futures in mind when Mills and his team started the coalition.

“I started teaching in the music industry arts program 15 years ago at Algonquin College and I’m always thinking about what they do after the program,” said Mills.

David Leclerc, known as Quest, is the project coordinator for Capital Music Week and having worked closely with Mills, he believes Mills’ appointment as president will open new doors for the organization.

“Colin’s a connector with a strong vision. He knows the local scene and how to move things forward. I think he will help build a stronger, more unified music ecosystem here,” said Leclerc.

Mills’ new position is a great fit, considering his experience in the local music scene. He is a guitar player and has played with several artists and bands over the last 30 years.

Colin Mills playing the guitar at the Ottawa Senators game. — Colin Mills posing with his guitar, prepping for an Ottawa Senators game at the Canadian Tire Centre. Photo credit: Supplied by Colin Mills

“I’ve played on dozens of albums and played shows coast to coast and throughout the United States when I was younger,” said Mills.

Students credit Mills for guiding them in their musical careers.

Simi Taylor-Lewis, a student of the music industry arts program, said having Mills as a professional contact has been an asset.

“As a teacher within MIA, Colin helped increase my understanding of the music business,” said Taylor-Lewis. “Through his class, I garnered knowledge of branding, the roles needed in a music team, and the different ways that great musicians have made a living for themselves throughout history.”

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