Hi everyone! I’m Jake, a student in the Master of Community Planning program.
Over the course of the semester, I’ve had the opportunity to work for the View from 2117 project as a research assistant. When the posting came out in the summer, I saw that the job would entail research on planning documents like official community plans, parks plans, comprehensive community plans, and other local government and First Nations government planning documents. I jumped at the opportunity to join the research team because I know that this is the exact type of research experience that will help me succeed in the world of planning.
So far, the research has been fascinating. Our goal is to look for the significance of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) throughout various government documents. This, we hope, will help us learn more about the impact the Region has had on the thinking and planning done by local governments and First Nations in the region—What impact can a Biosphere designation have on communities?
I’m glad to have had the opportunity to participate in this research and I know it has helped and added value to my degree above and beyond the coursework that I do. In my experience, Vancouver Island University is really special because it affords so many important and meaningful opportunities to students that amplify and compliment the course-learning experience. Organizations like the Canadian Mountain Network are pivotal to the success of this experiential learning and I appreciate the partnership that has provided me with this opportunity.