– Julie Lawlor is the Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce. You can reach her at jlawlor@westshore.bc.ca.
WEST SHORE – As I was reviewing the material for this month’s article three events caught my eye, and as it turns out they are all at Royal Roads University. On July 8th there is a Canada 150 screening of the film “Whatever the Cost: Hatley Park and the Dunsmuirs” at Hatley Castle.
This will be complemented by a performance of Elinor Dunsmuir’s original songs by vocalist and researcher Elizabeth Gerow. Tickets are free with a suggested donation of $10, and can be booked online.
Then on July 29th, RRU’s Learning and Innovation Center will be hosting TEDxRoyalRoadsU. The theme is “REINVENT: inspiring people to reinvent themselves through learning and innovation.”
A student-led event, TEDxRoyalRoadsU looks forward to welcoming leaders and entrepreneurs, and hopes “to spark meaningful interdisciplinary dialogue and create stronger connections throughout campus and the greater community.”
Last but not least, on August 27th the RCMP Musical Ride makes its way to Royal Roads after a performance in Topaz Park the day before. Presented in partnership with the Victoria Military Music Festival Society, the Musical Ride will be a full troop of 32 RCMP riders and their horses performing “cavalry figures and drills choreographed to music.” As the Musical Rode hasn’t been out to the Island in some time, these free events are likely to be extremely popular.
I highlight these events in a business column to similarly highlight the diverse role Royal Roads University plays in the WestShore – and regional – economy.
A nationally and internationally recognised university is no small economic driver, and in RRU’s case you can also add historic site, wedding venue, film location and event host to RRU’s list of economic impacts, making the University a busy place 12 months of the year.
For more information on Royal Roads University please go to royalroads.ca. For information on all of the events listed, please go to the Calendar of Community Events at westshore.bc.ca.
