Power to the people

Sometimes the most significant events are the ones that pass with little notice. While the face of the Woodstock campus has been renewed in many areas over the last few years, with attractive, modern buildings, paths, pushtas and landscaping, it is the transformation of the infrastructure that will have the biggest effect on the quality of life of staff, students and employees.

We were reminded of this on Wednesday, 29th August when the latest 11 kv electricity sub-station was opened, just above the Hanifl Center. Coupled with the large generator next to Oakville Cottage, this transformer sub-station will ensure that the eastern edge of the campus - including South Hill, Homestead, Mount Hermon and the Hanifl Center - will receive an uninterrupted, steady power supply. A bonus is that this service has been extended to the Oakville Estate, where a number of members of the Alter family, alumni and former staff, reside.

In opening the sub-station, Principal Kaye Aoki paid tribute to the work of Woodstock's project team, led by Col. Arun Bansal, and to consultant Lyle Lopez and his staff, who have worked now for some years on Woodstock's electrical installations. Chaplain Tim Eby-McKenzie gave thanks for the benefits which this facility would bring to many. This intensive period of work on infrastructure has now secured both Woodstock's electricity and water supplies.