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How do post-secondaries build genuine relationships with their cities and regions? On April 29, UÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ presents a symposium on the concept of city building and our role in contributing to the resilience and social, economic and cultural development of ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ.

The event is open to UÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ and broader community members interested in community engagement, including community engaged research and experiential teaching and learning. Here’s what you can take in during the full day of activities:

1. Connect with your community

Representatives from ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ Pride, Mustard Seed, Fig Tree Foundation, ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ Economic Development, United Way of ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ, YMCA ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ and more will join UÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ faculty, researchers and experts to discuss how we can build, nurture and leverage partnerships in the city. 

2. Learn about ii’ taa’poh’to’p

Michael Hart, vice-provost, Indigenous engagement, will present the morning keynote, outlining the goals and vision of ii’ taa’poh’to’p, UÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ’s Indigenous Strategy and Office of Indigenous Engagement. Hart will discuss the importance of consulting and engaging with communities in order to move institutional strategies forward in a good way.

3. Start a meaningful dialogue

Learn from a range of organizations and connect with your colleagues at panels hosted by Chancellor Deborah Yedlin and Ken Lima-Coelho, vice-president of community engagement at YMCA ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ, facilitated roundtable discussions, and a community lightning round, which will tackle the opportunities and challenges associated with building sustainable community partnerships.

4. Hear from local leader Beth Gignac

Join United Way of ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ and Area Chief Operating Officer Beth Gignac as she speaks about the past, present and future importance of partnerships between the non-profit sector and a research-intensive university.

5. Check out the City Building Design Lab

The symposium will take place downtown, at the Faculty of Environmental Design’s brand-new City Building Design Lab in the old central library, which will act as a community connector and catalyst for civic transformation. Current projects on display include The Fab Lab with a robotic arm and 3D printers, and the EVDS student year-end exhibition

Whether you work in the field of community outreach and engagement, or are interested in making new connections in ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ, this free event will spark thoughtful approaches to city building and energize UÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ’s role as an anchor institution in our city.