ALGONQUIN TIMES STUDENT OWNED AND OPERATED WWW.ALGONQUINCOLLEGE.COM/TIMES April 1, 2010 GAME DEVELOPMENT TAKES SHAPE PAGES 16-17 By Robert Hiltz [email protected] The Canadian Space Agency is coming to Al- gonquin, and parking spaces on Woodroffe campus will disappear be- cause of it. “We picked this loca- tion because of the close proximity to the capital, as well as the great deal of space that [Algonquin has] made available,” said director Abe Rofulls. The project will see the disappearance of up to 90 per cent of the campus’ current available parking. “Lots 8 through 14 will have to be removed if there is any way we are going to t [a launch pad] on campus. We can’t have cars being melted in the name of space explora- tion,” said Joe King, park- ing overlord of the college. That’s not all. Algon- quin will purchase the space shuttle Endeavour for an estimated $28.8 million. In order to pay for the space craft, the college will release a series of commemorative plates for a limited time price of $19.95. Algonquin expects to be able to sell well over the necessary 1.5 million units in order to cover the cost of the shuttle. In addition to a launch facility, Algonquin will also become the national training centre for astro- nauts. This will allow the col- lege to begin its long awaited space program. Students will be offered the opportunity to travel into space. “We are really looking forward to using students as the next generation of astronauts,” said Rofulls. “Summer interns are much cheaper to put into orbit,” The space agency has also planned to use the International Space Sta- tion as a commuter des- tination, a “space borne Grand Central station.” Although city council has yet to come on board, OC Transpo bus passes are planned to be accept- ed for select ights into orbit, allowing students and citizens alike the op- portunity to see the Ride- au Canal from space. Launches are slated to begin April 1, 2013. “We look forward to welcoming students into outer space,” said Rofulls. “We hope they take the experience with all the gravity it demands.” See INFINITY pge 6 Ayu Wedarini dances in traditional Indonesian attire during t he Celebra- tion of Cultures, March 16 in the Marketplace cafeteria. Eleven perform- ers were showcased from 25 different embassies during the all day event. For more SEE PAGES 22-23. Amber Young photo CulTural CollISIoN By Stephen Chang [email protected] A growing number of illegal activities at the college’s neighbouring public park have drawn the interest of the Ottawa police. Drug and alcohol use, noise complaints, reckless driving, vandalism and oth- er youth-related matters, have been plaguing Ryan Farm Park on Parkglen Drive just south of Algon- quin. Police have been con- ducting a three phase op- eration; the rst was to see if the complaints were le- gitimate. The second is to raise awareness, through, Const. Abdulkadir Abdi said, issuing warnings as to the consequences of their actions. And the third will be to enforce criminal charges should the ille- gal activities continue. “I had to see if this community issue is truly founded,” said Const. Abdi. “For three weeks at different times I have been doing static surveillance and foot patrols ... and this is an issue.” Although not all perpetrators are Al- gonquin students, said Abdi, some of them are. “It’s important for everyone to know that this is against the law and it can have a big impact on future careers should you have a criminal record,” said Const. Abdi. The park, which is out- side of Algonquin security’s jurisdiction, has left people with a haven to do as they will. “[Algonquin security] does have ofcers patrol through the park and if they do come across some- one smoking [marijuana] or consuming alcohol they are cautioned and asked to stop,” said Brad Zanth, Al- gonquin chief of security. However if they do not comply secu- rity ofcers can do no more than call the Ottawa police, a problem Zanth said they have yet to face. See CHarGES pge 6 Sch ifts ff: Woodroffe campus set to become launch centre and Canadian Space Agency HQ Pk dws ie f c esidents Growing number of complaints coming from Ryan Farm “It’s important for everyone to know that this is against the law and it can have a big impact on future ca- reers should you have a criminal record.” Const. Abdulkadir Abdi Ottawa police “We can’t have cars being melted in the name of space explo- ration” Joe King Parking overlord SALSA DANCING CHAMPIONS PAGE 13