Camosun students and staff ignite BC Games with a new cauldron

July 24, 2026

KELOWNA, B.C. – A new BC Games ceremonial cauldron, initially developed and prototyped by Mechanical Engineering Technology students using applied learning and research practices at Camosun College, was lit for the first time at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 BC Summer Games in Kelowna.

The ceremonial cauldron was commissioned by the BC Games Society, which selected Camosun Innovates, the college’s applied research and development centre, to design and build this centrepiece of the society’s ceremonial activities in collaboration with students from the Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma Program.

Four Mechanical Engineering Technology students from the 2024 Capstone Course were charged with developing, building, and troubleshooting the first working prototype of the cauldron, with oversight and guidance from Camosun Innovates staff that helped the students take the project from concept to full implementation, flames and all. Fabrication of the final ceremonial cauldron also included Camosun College students.

“The capstone was a great starting point to develop criteria for a cauldron that could be used in all weather conditions throughout B.C.,” says Jesus Ponce de Leon, Grant Worker with Camosun Innovates and a graduate of the Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma, who worked on the final project. “The cauldron had to look impressive, be transportable, operate reliably in all weather conditions, and meet all necessary safety standards.”

The black and gold cauldron is 190 centimeters (6 feet 3 inches) tall and weighs around 154 kilograms (340 pounds). It is manufactured from stainless steel, aluminum, and steel, and features a cedar weave design created by Angeline Splockton, a Tsawwassen First Nation artisan. Inspiration for the cedar weave design came from Jamin Zuroski, a Namgis First Nation artist.

“The new BC Summer and BC Winter Games cauldron is a powerful symbol of unity – bringing together athletes, volunteers, and communities from every corner of our province,” says Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “It’s a flame that ignites pride, friendship, and fair play, creating a lasting legacy that celebrates the spirit of the Games and the people who make them possible.”

The cauldron debuted alongside torches that were also developed by Camosun Innovates and Camosun students in 2022.

“The development of a striking new cauldron showcases what students at Camosun College are capable of achieving through relevant, innovative and applied education,” says Dr. Lane Trotter, President, Camosun College. “Camosun Innovates helps local companies and community partners design, build, prototype, test and improve systems and products like the cauldron as well as the torch used at the Games.”

The cauldron is the latest success in a long-standing partnership between Camosun Innovates, the BC Games Society, and the greater Victoria community, representing ongoing collaboration with students and staff from many college departments including welding, sheet metal, pipefitting, and electrical, as well as local engineering and manufacturing firms that supported research, development, and fabrication.

“The BC Games Society is about inspiring exceptional experiences for everyone associated with the Games,” says Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “Bringing together athletes, students, academics and First Nation artists to create an amazing cauldron achieved that goal. We were delighted to partner once again with Camosun Innovates to bring to life a beautiful new cauldron that will help ignite the BC Winter and BC Summer Games for many years to come.”

Camosun Innovates connects applied learning and applied research, design thinking and interdisciplinary inquiry, productivity improvement and tech-savvy intention. Recent projects include design and manufacturing of competitive equipment for Olympic para-athletes, the development of novel methods to carve totem poles using second growth trees, and advanced manufacturing processes informed by real-time digital feedback.

Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering Technology, Diploma program.

Established in 1971, Camosun is one of the largest colleges in British Columbia with campuses on the territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Kosapsum) and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. For over 50 years, Camosun has been delivering innovative, relevant and applied education, supporting communities, businesses and employers.