RORY MACLEAN
News Editor

Huskies lager

Following up on a campaign promise, USSU president Warren Kirkland made a motion to develop a plan for a campus-based microbrewery by no later than fall 2010.

Kirkland stressed that it was merely a plan and did not represent a full commitment to start a microbrewery. The plan would assess different options and make recommendations to council on the basis of its findings, he said.

Considering renovations of Louis’ Pub are on the horizon, the proposed microbrewery could be incorporated into those plans, said Kirkland.

Profits from the brewery could also help pay for renovations of the entire Memorial Union Building, he said. Initial projections for the cost of MUB renovations are around $12 million.

Kirkland proposed that the USSU, which operates the concession at Huskies games, could create a Huskies brand beer to sell at games. Great Western is the current supplier of beer to Huskies games.

An off-sale would also be considered as part of the microbrewery plan, he said.

Kirkland’s goal is to have the plan developed by April, otherwise the job would be left to the incoming USSU president.

Should the USSU provide rental housing?

Kirkland pitched a housing strategy next, motioning to develop a plan by no later than fall 2010. His idea would see the USSU purchase homes along Cumberland Avenue to rent out to students.

This could provide housing for northern Aboriginal students, international students or even for student societies, he said.

For instance, if some engineering students wanted to get a place together and call it the Engineering House, they would be free to do so, he said.

Amanda Kleisinger, councillor for medicine, asked if the venture would be to earn profit or to provide subsidized housing. Kirkland replied that the option of providing subsidized housing could be explored if councillors wanted.

Kleisinger also asked Kirkland what the rate of turnover for houses on Cumberland was and if the USSU was willing to take on liabilities. He said these details would be meted out in the planning stage.
Council address

Amanda Smytaniuk, spokesperson for the student health and dental plan providers, gave a projection of next year’s expected fees. Fees are expected to decrease in the coming year from $233.50 to $221.31.

These are just initial estimates, however, since the insurer must provide projections to the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors by mid-March, she said.

Library hours

USSU vice-president of academic affairs Daniel McCullough announced that he was meeting with library dean Vicki Williamson to discuss the possible extension of library hours, which were cut last year in the midst of the financial uncertainty at the university.