Students map out Nanaimo's possible futures through 2086

From free buses and the return of rail, to a floating night market and an attack on democracy, VIU students spent a semester simulating the future of the city, taking Nanaimo all the way to 2086.

In a political studies course under professor Michael MacKenzie students participated in mock elections, with winners seeking to implement their policy ideas in an AI powered simulation.

The students were divided into 3 different worlds and each presented their results in a fair Thursday April 9th at VIU. Midcoast Morning attended and spoke with MacKenzie and various students about Nanaimo’s potential future.

This is an extended podcast edition of the original broadcast.

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Guests:

  • Michael MacKenzie — Professor, Political Studies, Jarislowsky Chair in Trust & Political Leadership, Vancouver Island University.

  • Sage Stern, Sam Fortin, Adam Barkworth, Caitlin Kellendonk, Nikki Hearns, Eric Nix — Political Science students, Vancouver Island University.

  • Paul Manly — Councillor, City of Nanaimo.

Program Team:

  • Joe Pugh — Host and Producer.

  • Jesse Woodward — Executive Producer.

  • Arbie Fru — Technical Assistance.

Podcast Photo:

  • Michael MacKenzie and VIU Political Science students (Joe Pugh/CHLY 101.7FM)

Theme Music:

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Transcript:

Incoming.

Report Transcription errors by emailing production@chly.ca.

Funding:

This program is part of our our Nonprofit Newsroom Project. Sustain local news for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.

Democracy, VIUJoe Pugh