By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Survey to assess impact of 2019 Canada Winter Games on RDC

Feb 22, 2019 | 11:45 AM

A three-part survey being conducted by Red Deer College faculty members will assess the impact of the 2019 Canada Winter Games on students, staff and faculty.

Part one, which asked respondents what they anticipated the impacts would be, was done prior to the Games. The next phase will take place immediately following the Games, and the third once the school year is over.

“The results will look at the impact of the Games and it’ll measure the difference in the anticipated impact, versus the actual impact,” explains Paulette Hanna, RDC Vice President Academic.

“Faculty members will have the opportunity to publish the results in peer-reviewed journals, and they’ll present the results at academic conferences next year. The results can also be given to the Host Society who then may share them with the other cities or communities that will be hosting Winter Games.”

Arguably, the biggest impact on students is the temporary relocation of those living in residence. Though most found other accommodations, 140 students have been staying in residence at Olds College while RDC is on its winter reading break, which was extended by an extra week to cover the 2019 Games.

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RDC residence buildings are home to the Winter Games’ Athletes’ Village.

“About two and a half years ago, a residence accommodation strategy was developed to support students living in residence during 2018-19 for these Games,” Hanna recalls. “Communication was very clear when students applied so they knew that during the time period from Feb. 8 to Mar. 6, they would be temporarily relocated. That was on the application, it was also on the contract letter that they sign, and then in all the communications leading up to the Games.”

Hanna says it was RDC’s goal all along to ensure no student would be left disadvantaged.

“Transportation has been provided, they have meal plans, our residence staff is down there supporting them as they would here,” Hanna continues. “I know we’ve had a few complaints, but the general sense as athletes were moving into the residence was very positive. In fact, many students, as they were leaving, left comments on their whiteboards in their rooms wishing the athletes all the best.”

Results of the survey are expected to become available following its completion in the spring.