Attention, everyone! We have an important announcement regarding an upcoming planned power outage on November 15th, 2025. Get ready for a unique challenge and some exciting alternatives!
The University's Vital Maintenance Mission
On that fateful Saturday, our beloved university will be undergoing some crucial maintenance work on its electrical equipment. This maintenance is scheduled for a precise window of time: from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 15th. During this period, several buildings on campus will experience a power outage.
Which Buildings Are Affected?
The outage will impact a significant portion of our campus, including most residence buildings, University Houses 1, 2, and 3, the Campus Services Building, Campus Security, and even the Bev Glover Greenhouse. Electricity, internet, and Wi-Fi services may vary from building to building, as some have backup generators providing limited power.
Campus Safety and Support
But here's the good news: Campus Security will be fully operational on November 15th, ready to assist with any accessibility needs or safety concerns. In case of an emergency, remember to dial 9-1-1 first and then contact Campus Security. Their contact details are available at https://www.uvic.ca/security/home/contact/index.php.
Student Housing and Alternatives
Most residence buildings will be without power, internet, and Wi-Fi during the specified time frame. However, you don't need to evacuate your building. The rest of the campus will remain open for regular Saturday hours, and there will be plenty of fun events happening in the city. We encourage you to explore these alternatives, stay warm, and keep your devices charged.
If you have any questions or require support, the Residence Services Front Desk is here to help before, during, and after the outage.
Food and Dining Options
The Cove will be operating on a generator during the outage and will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, November 15th. Some services may be limited, so plan accordingly. If you're looking for a coffee fix and some delicious food, head over to the BiblioCafe, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on that day.
Stay Informed and Prepared
We'll keep you updated once power is restored to all buildings. Check uvic.ca (https://www.uvic.ca/) regularly for the latest information.
Preparing for the Outage
To ensure a smooth experience during the outage, here are some essential tips:
- Save your work and turn off your desktop computers.
- Ensure your devices are fully charged.
- Turn off and unplug all electronics, including electric heaters.
- Close your windows to retain heat.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain food freshness.
- Keep stoves and other appliances turned off until power is restored.
- Never use camp stoves, barbecues, or propane/kerosene heaters indoors. Carbon monoxide buildup can be deadly.
- Avoid plugging portable generators into electrical outlets to prevent electrical hazards for your neighbors and utility workers.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we work towards these necessary repairs. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
And this is the part most people miss: What are your thoughts on the planned outage? Do you have any creative ideas for making the most of this unique situation? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
