Current Redevelopment Projects

By Gavin Preston

As we near the next general election, a few potential operations and finance candidates are likely wondering if it is possible to make promises that relate to redevelopment of MacEwan Student Centre that can be kept. This year, the Students’ Union has witnessed events that should put their concerns to rest.


In the last general election, promises and proposals of new club offices were abundant. The election resulted with the success of candidates promising new offices. Of consequence, in June the SU passed a budget that included money to build new clubs offices within the current clubs space. Since this time, we have witnessed the planning, development, construction and opening of the offices, and there is still three months left in the term. After a promise in an election that occurred 11 months ago, the SU can now offer 11 more clubs office space


We have also looked this year at securing funds from alternate sources than the excessively depleted reserves of the SU. This has included some corporate partnerships, government grants, and possible other fund raising opportunities. Redevelopment is costly, but it is possible to improve this building and services to students without it costing students more money. As we complete this year, we also look to finish a master plan to lay out the completion of the expansion and redevelopment project that began eight years ago.


This year, we have been able to demonstrate our commitment to students by budgeting for student directives. Additionally, we have worked to secure funds for new projects that do not come from fees and levies. Finally, we are setting out plans that will allow future operations and finance elected officials to follow through on election promises that relate to redevelopment. This work will ensure future election promises and student directives for the improvement of MacEwan Student Centre can be facilitated and fulfilled.