Royal Roads University is cutting through barriers.

The university is removing barbed wire which surrounds the campus, with hopes to make the space appear more welcoming. Royal Roads University (RRU) president Philip Steenkamp made the first snip Wednesday morning.

B次元官网网址淲hen I first started here, I was driving around and saw the barbed wire. I thought it wasnB次元官网网址檛 a very kind image for the community,B次元官网网址� said Steenkamp, who took over as president two years ago.

Steenkamp reached out to the Department of National Defence, which owns the property, and started a discussion about taking down the wire. RRU was formerly a military training facility, which is why the fencing was initially put up.

B次元官网网址淲e are trying to shift the identity, and the culture,B次元官网网址� said Steenkamp. B次元官网网址淭housands of people come here every year. This is a place where all of the community comes B次元官网网址� ItB次元官网网址檚 like the Stanley Park of the West Shore, so we want to send a message that everyone is welcome here.B次元官网网址�

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Steenkamp added that RRU has a 25-year vision moving forward, with the core message being, B次元官网网址淚nspiring people with the courage to transform the world.B次元官网网址�

Within this vision, one of the main goals is to significantly increase engagement within the campus, and for the university to be more involved out in the community.

B次元官网网址淲e are working on implementing a youth centre for life-long learning in Colwood,B次元官网网址� said Steenkamp. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 all part of a strategy to show that we are deeply committed to this region.B次元官网网址�

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