University of Regina engineering students assess recycling challenges in Yorkton

News Release Release Date: April 16, 2012 1:00 p.m.

With support from the City of Yorkton, Communities of Tomorrow and Agmar International Marketing, Dena McMartin, a professor at the University of Regina, has created a new client-based, experiential learning class in environmental engineering and design. The class pairs the needs of a local community, Yorkton, with the skill sets of undergraduate Engineering students.

In this project, three groups of students are looking for solutions to the environmental waste disposal challenges facing the City of Yorkton and investigating the ‘earth friendliness’ of recycling in Saskatchewan.

“This community engagement model for education gives students a valuable opportunity to step out of the classroom and apply their research and education to real life problems,” said McMartin.

“Projects like these demonstrate the valuable relationships between academia pursuits and communities that produce real-world results,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Vianne Timmons. “The University of Regina is pleased to offer its students valuable, hands-on learning experiences that will better prepare them for the job market when they graduate.”

Communities of Tomorrow is facilitating this pilot project to demonstrate new ways of engaging with municipalities.

“We know municipalities want to take innovative approaches to infrastructure design and management,” said Communities of Tomorrow President John Lee. “It is important for them that our universities provide excellent applied science and research services to help them in that quest.”

“The City of Yorkton is pleased to be partnering with the University of Regina on finding solutions to Yorkton’s recycling challenges,” said City of Yorkton Mayor James Wilson. “It’s important to understand all different aspects – current markets, carbon footprints and transportation of products – affecting  recycling in the city.”

Agmar International Marketing president Judie Dyck, is working with the City of Yorkton to investigate technology options for solid waste management.

“Examining real life issues facing communities allows students to develop their thought processes and skills in problem solving early in their career. This makes for better decision making which is important as today’s students are tomorrow’s community leaders,” said Judie Dyck, Agmar International.

Funding for this project is provided by the City of Yorkton and Communities of Tomorrow.