Look! Up in the sky! It’s not a bird… It’s not a plane… It’s RRC Polytech! Red River College Polytechnic’s alternate moniker now proudly hovers over 50 feet high above Winnipeg’s Princess Avenue, identifying The Roblin Centre from far and wide. A new 160 square foot-plus, red and black sign, constructed of aluminum and vinyl was recently installed over the course of a few days by SRS Signs, but the behind-the-scenes process to execute the change took months of planning and delicate negotiation before the proper permits and permissions were granted.   

The College’s Facilities Management team was tasked with ensuring the new signage was mounted similar to the rooftop’s existing steel structure to maintain the building’s historic esthetic, but policy upgrades by the City of Winnipeg presented some significant challenges.   

Technical Officer, Jason Ilagan worked diligently with the City and SRS Signs to find a solution that worked for all parties resulting in the final product you see today – a sign that is not only built to current code but maintains the spectacular vintage vibe of the surrounding Exchange District.

Home to many of the College’s business and management, Information Technology and creative arts programs the Roblin Centre is an important hub of activity at the recently expanded Exchange District Campus. But the completion of its exterior transformation is more than just a physical modification to the city’s skyline, it also serves as a major milestone in securing our new identity as Manitoba’s only polytechnic.

“The new sign atop Roblin Centre will serve as a beacon in our rejuvenated downtown that as Manitoba’s polytechnic we help make things possible to stay in front of what’s ahead,” says David Petis, RRC Polytech’s Executive Director of Advancement.

“For more than 80 years, students have come to us to prepare themselves to thrive in the future, so we are constantly striving to provide leading edge, post-secondary education by working with industry and community partners to identify what Manitoba needs next. This commitment has guided our evolution from a community college to a college of applied learning and now to the polytechnic we are today.”

Polytechnics are agile and can transform learning models to ensure graduates are properly prepared to help businesses combat disruption. Through applied research projects, RRC Polytech provides our partners with the unique solutions they need in order for Manitoba to thrive. It’s been over 18 months since the unveiling of the College’s new identity and strategic plan, and the reaction to our accomplishments in this short time has been overwhelmingly positive.

The relationships staff, students and faculty have and continue to build enhance our reputation for providing trusted training to the province in a welcoming environment for all, and our connection with the public is strong.

In February 2021, Probe Research asked the people of Manitoba’s familiarity with the term polytechnic and less than one third (28 per cent) of respondents were familiar. When asked again in February 2022, after just five months of RRC Polytech’s strategic brand marketing and communication with stakeholders, that number jumped to 45 per cent. Soon we expect all Manitobans will understand as we do that polytechnics are known across Canada and around the world as institutions that are inextricably tied to the labour market to offer high quality in-depth study and practical skills training.

A strong brand is important because it helps build recognition, understanding, trust and affinity. When audiences share the values of a brand, convincing them to apply, engage, partner, forgive, advocate and give back takes less effort, because an emotional bond already exists. It’s important to always remember that who we are and the culture we are creating is just as important to the community we serve as what we do, and that work will never be complete.

The new RRC Polytech sign above the Roblin Centre provides a constant reminder of our brand and our values to everyone who lays eyes on it.