What We Do
Mid Island Elder College offers short, low-cost, general interest courses on a wide range of subjects – academic, arts-related, lifestyle, hobbies, current affairs… you name it! – to mature adults. We also convene a public lecture series on a timely and compelling theme, usually over a number of Saturdays. All our activities are inspired by the desire to share ideas and skills amongst like-minded souls.
Why We Do It
At the heart of Elder College lies a passion for lifelong learning. For more than 30 years, through various incarnations, Elder College has provided courses, public lectures, and volunteer opportunities to mature adults, enabling them to remain alert, engaged, vibrant, socially connected and resilient as they age. Our courses and special events offer an antidote to loneliness (a global health concern), boredom (which impacts mental health, cognition, and behavior negatively), and brain aging (one of the greatest fears among mature adults.
When We Do It
We offer courses of varying lengths, and a Saturday Speakers Series, in both Spring and Fall.
Where We Do It
From September 2025 we’ll be holding classes in the locations below.
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Qualicum Beach
The Gardens:
650 Berwick Road North
Parksville
The Parksville Community Centre:
223 Mills Street
Parksville
The McMillan Arts Centre:
133 McMillan Street
Nanaimo
Nanaimo North Library
6250 Hammond Bay Road
Qualicum Beach
Berwick Qualicum Beach:
120 First Avenue West
Nanaimo
Beban Park Social Centre
2300 Bowen Road (Room 8)
Lantzville
St. Philip-by-the-Sea:
7113 Lantzville Road
Nanaimo
Nanaimo Museum
100 Museum Way
Nanoose Bay
Nanoose Place Community Centre:
2925 Northwest Bay Road
Parksville
Berwick Parksville:
180 Jensen Avenue East
Nanaimo
Nanaimo Harbourfront Library
90 Commercial Street
Duncan
VIRL Cowichan Branch:
2687 James Street
Online
We will also offer courses using the Zoom platform.
Who We Are
The Mid Vancouver Island Elder College Society (our full legal name) is a non-profit incorporated under the BC Societies Act. All its operations are carried out by talented volunteers, whether teachers, media communicators, graphic artists, public speakers, event planners, technical advisors, or board members. Currently, the Society has more than 800 members, who pay an annual fee of $25 in order to play a part in its governance, and many of whom also volunteer, and there are 1800 people on our mailing list.
We are always ready to give a warm welcome to new arrivals – if you are interested, please GET INVOLVED.