2018, March 29 – Press Release
Whistler Learning Centre partners with Vancouver Island University to bring Environmental courses to Whistler
Building on a successful pilot partnership in 2017, the Whistler Learning Centre and Vancouver Island University are expanding programming in Whistler to seven courses in 2018. Executive Director, Suki Cheyne, explains, “The Environmental Monitoring Course delivered in November 2017 was attended by individuals from Whistler, the Sea to Sky Corridor, and further afield. This composition of attendees is ideal, the combination of local residents mixed with visitors from outside Whistler provides the capacity needed to bring professional development opportunities to Whistler. Something that wouldn’t be feasible given the small size of our permanent population. We expect to see similar uptake with the courses planned for 2018. The courses are part of Vancouver Island University’s Natural Resources Extension Program. The partnership between our organizations is a natural fit given the environmental theme, the subject resonates with both residents and businesses in our local community.”
2018 Course delivery as a result of the Whistler Learning Centre and Vancouver Island University partnership:
- Electrofishing, June 11-12
- Fish & Fish Habitat Inventory Methods, 3 day – June 13-15
- Fish & Fish Habitat Inventory Methods (includes Electrofishing), 5 day – June 11-15
- Erosion & Sediment Control, June 19-21
- Water Quality Monitoring, Sept 11-14
- Environmental Monitoring for Construction Projects, Oct 23-25
- RISC: Archaeological & CMT Inventory Training for Crew Members, Fall Date TBD
More information available for each event in the education calendar at www.whistlerlearningcentre.com
The Whistler Learning Centre (WLC) is focused on promoting and facilitating lifelong educational opportunities in Whistler. This is achieved through many activities: hosting an online calendar of educational events on the WLC website; seeking out partnerships with Institutions to bring educational opportunities to Whistler; offering a concierge service for educators who wish to deliver events in Whistler, connecting them with services that include learning venues, accommodations, food and beverage services, classroom support services, as well as sport and leisure activities.
The Natural Resources Extension Program (NREP) at Vancouver Island University offers applied natural resource-related training programs. NREP offers a unique learning experience for natural resource professionals. They specialize in designing and developing professional development programs founded on three key elements: in demand ‘hands on’ training; customized training; unparalleled service. They currently offer courses in the following areas: Fisheries, Riparian, Aquatic, Environment, Safety, Shellfish.