The College’s Prairie Research Kitchen is now home to an innovative Terrace Pro hydroponic growing system that promotes sustainability and offers solutions to offset rising grocery costs for businesses and individual consumers.      

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – After working together with RRC Polytech to develop the Terrace Pro, an innovative hydroponic growing system, Les Verts Living is extending the partnership by providing a commercial Terrace Pro unit to the College’s Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) – to promote further study of indoor gardening and to supply Culinary Arts students with access to fresh, gourmet produce while they pursue their education.

“RRC Polytech helped us convert our vision of sustainable produce into a reality, and today our soil-free, pesticide-free and stress-free Terrace Pro system empowers anyone anywhere to grow fresh, quality greens for their family, friends and local communities year-round with minimal effort and no prior growing experience,” says Andrew Vickerson, CEO of Les Verts Living.

“We are thrilled to continue this partnership and offer their students and researchers an opportunity to further explore indoor hydroponic gardening by providing Manitoba’s up-and-coming culinary minds with the highest quality produce to create their next showstopping dishes.”

What sets the Terrace Pro apart is its impressive production capacity, exceptional quality produce, ease of use, and significant savings opportunities. The professional-grade equipment and nutrient regimes surpass the freshness and nutritional value of other indoor systems and what is typically found in grocery stores and promises a significant return on investment through reduced food waste and produce expenses.

“Through our technology, facilities and expertise, the College is uniquely positioned to bring these types of project ideas to life for our industry partners while training the workforce of tomorrow,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech.

“This project demonstrates the power of partnership and the value of applied research in propelling our province’s economy forward, and today, we can quite literally see and taste the success of this project while sharing the benefits with our community.” 

The relationship began almost six years ago when locally based entrepreneurs from Les Verts approached RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen to confirm chefs’ interest in the product and then were referred to the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) for help with the electrical and mechanical components of their original design. The TACAM team worked with Les Verts staff to refine the unit’s unique combination of necessary pumps, motors, fans, and lights while addressing tank orientation for optimum watering and drainage. Eventually they even created a control panel/interface to integrate all the systems together. The Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC) was also consulted to analyze any humidity level changes caused by the system.

Now, the easy-to-use product is on the market encouraging even the greenest of gardeners to grow an abundance of the freshest, top-quality living produce available while saving money on their food expenses – and the partnership continues to evolve with PRK’s research team studying further development options through a follow-up project.   

“Rising food costs have increased the demand for locally grown, sustainable produce so offering chefs of all levels the ability to grow their own greens and herbs year-round has enormous appeal,” says Mavis McRae, Director of the Prairie Research Kitchen Technology Access Centre. “We’re excited to test the benefits of the Terrace Pro unit in a restaurant setting and continue studying how we can optimize this technology while working with our partners at Les Verts to develop future products for commercial and home growers.”   

To celebrate this successful collaboration and inspire a more sustainable food future, Les Verts Living and RRC Polytech hosted a media tasting event at Jane’s Restaurant located in the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute. The teams involved joined industry, academic and community leaders for a small sampling of the delicious living lettuce, fragrant herbs and hyper-nutritious microgreens and baby greens produced in the Terrace Pro before touring the PRK, Manitoba’s only Technology Access Centre that blends food science and culinary arts. 

There is a winter storm impacting the province today.  Please be advised that the Perimeter Highway is closed due to poor driving conditions.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows:

• Portage campus will be open but classes will be delivered online.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses will be open with classes as usual during the day.
• Winkler campus will be open but classes will be delivered online
• Selkirk campus is closed with online delivery today.
• Peguis campus is closed with online delivery today.
• Sagkeeng campus is closed with online delivery.
• Steinbach and Arborg Language Training Centre classes will be cancelled.

For those driving both inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions.

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to weather conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Any updates to campus operations will be shared here.

Let’s get digital! rrc.ca/dtti

Last week, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) announced a $3,250,000 Mobilize grant to fund Red River College Polytechnic’s new Digital Technology Transformation Initiative (DTTI). The funding comes as part of a larger investment from NSERC to support applied research projects at colleges across Canada that are designed to address local challenges.

The DTTI will build applied research capacity to support Manitoba as it moves towards digital transformation, while achieving net-zero goals in the leading sectors of advanced manufacturing and climate/clean tech.

“This funding empowers RRC Polytech, through the DTTI, to strengthen our position as a vital resource in Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem, regional socioeconomic system, and provincial economy now and into the future,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech. “The establishment of the DTTI is not only a great benefit to the College and our partners, but it goes a long way in supporting RRC Polytech as we strive to meet our strategic commitments – particularly deepening partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community.”

The DTTI aims to rapidly accelerate digitally-focused applied research expertise at RRC Polytech, so the College can continue to address industry’s most critical needs in the areas of advanced digital manufacturing (ADM) and climate/clean tech, while laying the groundwork for deepening collaborations with current and prospective partners in these areas. The DTTI will also provide invaluable experiential learning opportunities for students while facilitating a talent pipeline of diverse innovators to power the workforce of tomorrow.

“The DTTI is designed to alleviate some of the common challenges faced by the advanced manufacturing and climate and clean tech sectors, such as the increased pressure on businesses to engage in digital innovation, adoption, and net-zero strategies,” says Wilson.

“While RRC Polytech has existing and substantial infrastructure and expertise, this funding provides the additional human resource capacity and project funds necessary to establish a broad range of interdisciplinary applied research partnerships in the digital technology transformation space.”

RRC Polytech’s research enterprise, Research Partnerships & Innovation, has been a crucial player in the Canadian applied research scene for 20 years. The Mobilize funding comes on the heels of RRC Polytech’s recent 14^th place ranking in Re$earch Infosource’s annual list of Canada’s top 50 research colleges.

For more information, visit rrc.ca/dtti.

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – Today, Red River College Polytechnic’s Board of Governors (BOG) announced the unanimous decision to extend the contract of President and CEO, Fred Meier, until July 2028. 
 
“President Meier has surpassed the Board’s expectations in all he has accomplished since joining RRC Polytech. Extending his contract today ensures we will continue to build for the future with his strong, visionary leadership in place. We share our complete confidence in Mr. Meier’s ability to lead RRC Polytech forward as it strives to meet and exceed the needs of students, staff, as well as our partners in industry and the community,” said Loren Cisyk, Chair, RRC Polytech Board of Governors. 

Since joining RRC Polytech in July 2020, President Meier has been integral in charting a bold new path for the College. This includes rebranding the College to RRC Polytech – embracing RRC’s identity as “Manitoba’s polytechnic,” and creating RRC Polytech’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026 In Front of What’s Ahead.  

This ambitious plan commits RRC Polytech to transform its learning models to amplify its impact across Manitoba and cements the College’s commitment towards Truth and Reconciliation and the pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion in everything it does, and focuses its efforts on deepening partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community. 
 
Through President Meier’s leadership, RRC Polytech has taken many necessary and meaningful steps towards advancing the goals of the 2022-2026 strategic plan, including a 98 per cent completion rate of RRC Polytech’s Comprehensive Campaign In Front of What’s Ahead. 

Thanks to the support of generous donors and industry partners, these gifts are making a direct impact for today’s learners and will allow the College to create more supports and programs to help future students achieve success – from new and increased scholarships and bursaries, the donation of computers, and a new mentorship program for Indigenous learners supported by Canada Life, to the opening of the Centre for Newcomer Integration supported by BMO and the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics.

RRC Polytech has also taken meaningful and intentional steps towards its collective commitment towards Truth and Reconciliation including the establishment of the Knowledge Keepers’ Council, the creation of more Indigenous student pathway programs, and increased industry partnerships to support Indigenous learners across Manitoba. 

“Every day, I am inspired by the work we do and the people who lead it,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech. “I look forward to leading our institution forward and continuing to work together to build an even stronger and more successful Manitoba.”

“I am humbled and incredibly honoured for this opportunity to continue to serve as President and CEO of RRC Polytech,” added Meier. “And above all else, I am thankful. RRC Polytech is a partnership-driven enterprise at every single level. I thank our staff, faculty, and students – with whom I’ve had the pleasure to work since I joined the College – for their continued support and commitment to embrace the direction and path we are on. I thank the Board of Governors for their confidence in my leadership. And I thank our industry, community, and donor partners for their continued trust, support, and investment in our students and in the College.”

Ranked 14^th nationwide, completed applied research projects at the College have increased by one third over the previous year  

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is once again a top research institution in the country, earning the 14th place position in Re$earch Infosource’s annual ranking of the country’s top 50 research colleges, released earlier today.

“RRC Polytech makes innovation possible for our partners in industry and community – and every successful project builds trust in our technology, facilities and expertise,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“Today’s rankings reflect the College’s growing reputation for consistency and productivity that is driven by the work of our Research, Partnerships and Innovation enterprise and at our three Technology Access Centres. They also reinforce that our approach of strengthening relationships with partners and funders across all sectors, driving alignment between stakeholders, and valuing sustainability is accelerating applied research innovation here in Manitoba.”

RRC Polytech completed 170 applied research projects in the 2022 fiscal year – almost 60 more than the previous year – ranking it third in the Medium Tier category and fourth nationwide while posting a total of 117 research partnerships. By maintaining its average of 7.4 million dollars for a second consecutive year, Manitoba’s polytechnic also remains on par with the per-college provincial average of sponsored research income in Alberta and only slightly behind Ontario.

As an added feature to its annual publication, Canada’s Innovation Leaders 2023, Re$earch Infosource also shines a spotlight on college-industry research income as measured by grants, contracts or contributions received from industry sources over the past five years, where RRC Polytech again showed a remarkably consistent annual average of just over 7-million dollars from 2018-2022.

Applied research examples at RRC Polytech include a current partnership between the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) and StandardAero, who are collaborating to test and validate that cold spray technology could be effectively implemented for repairing aircraft components.

The College’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC) continues to facilitate the shift to electrification and zero-emission fuel sources with projects aimed at expanding workplace charging capabilities; partnering with Seven Oaks School Division, Noble Northern and the Canadian Shield Foundation to develop a diesel-to-electric conversion kit for school buses; and even building on the success of completed projects by repurposing batteries from Winnipeg Transit electric bus trials in storage systems on fast chargers also created on campus.

The most comprehensive example is From Lab to Table, a Culinary Research Review in the form of a cookbook that shares the delicious outcomes of the applied research conducted at the Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) since 2014, while documenting the history of Manitoba’s only Technology Access Centre that blends food science and culinary arts.  From discovering and developing novel uses for pulse and soybean products to upcycling food industry by-products and even embracing insects for protein, this unique cookbook is available at researchrecipes.ca.

“Celebrating the variety of products, techniques and technology that our researchers, staff and students have worked together with our partners to develop is as important as the volume of projects completed,” said Wilson. “Because regardless of the size or scope of the project, from entrepreneurs in search of support to launch and grow their business idea to established enterprises seeking advancements to propel them into the future, we want everyone to know that in addition to training the workforce of tomorrow, RRC Polytech is also here to provide innovative solutions that elevate all Manitobans.”

For more information, visit rrc.ca/research.

At RRC Polytech, we aim to provide the best parking experience possible for staff and students. To ensure we can maintain and improve our parking services, there will be a gradual increase in monthly parking fees at the Notre Dame and Stevenson campuses. The first increase is $3.00 as of January 1, followed by $2.00 as of July 1, 2024.

Our goal is to keep parking rate increases manageable and reasonable over time. The new rates will support continued maintenance to our parking services, and where possible, upgrades to parking infrastructure.

Starting January 1, 2024, the new parking permit rates, GST included, are as follows:

Notre Dame Campus:

• Power Stall: $66.15 (Previously $63.00)
  • Term rate: $264.60
  • Annual rate: $793.89 TOTAL = $33.08 bi-weekly

• Non-Power Stall: $58.80 (Previously $55.65)
  • Term Rate: $235.20
  • Annual Rate: $705.60 TOTAL = $29.40 bi-weekly

Stevenson Campus:

• Power Stall: $41.16 (Previously $38.01)
  • Term Rate: $164.64
  • Annual rate $493.92
    
• Non-Power Stall: $35.49 (Previously $32.34)
  • Term Rate: $141.96
  • Annual rate: $425.88

Staff who are on payroll deduction will have their parking fees adjusted in accordance with the new permit rates. The new rates for payroll deduction will appear on the pay period ending January 12, 2024. Additionally, term passes will be adjusted accordingly with the monthly increase.

The hourly parking rate at NDC and Stevenson are $2.00/hour, with a daily maximum of $8.00.

As the College grows and evolves, so do its parking needs. Parking at RRC Polytech is an ever-evolving process, which we invite you to be a part of. Please contact Commuting and Parking Services at parking@rrc.ca with any questions. Feedback from staff and students continues to be an important consideration in managing the parking program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Founders of the Schroeder Foundation awarded Outstanding Philanthropist at 2023 AFP Awards

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – Today is National Philanthropy Day, and longtime Red River College Polytechnic supporters Walter and Maria Schroeder of the Schroeder Foundation are being recognized for their years of supporting organizations, institutions, and individuals in Manitoba and throughout Canada with the 2023 Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Manitoba Outstanding Philanthropist Award.

RRC Polytech and the University of Manitoba co-nominated the duo in recognition of their dedication to Winnipeg youth.

“Walter and Maria Schroeder’s work has truly been transformative, and today RRC Polytech is so proud to celebrate their contributions with our community as Manitoba’s 2023 Outstanding Philanthropists,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“The Schroeder Foundation has awarded hundreds of full post-secondary scholarships to institutions in Winnipeg – including more than 180 to RRC Polytech – which includes tuition, books, and wrap-around supports. The Schroeder Foundation students now also have the opportunity to participate in the Transition to College program, which helps them start their programs with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed on day one.”

The Schroeder Foundation donates millions of dollars to organizations every year, with a focus on improving healthcare, providing economic education, and empowering youth and Indigenous communities across the country. The Foundation currently invests more than three million dollars annually in Winnipeg alone.

“Supporting Red River College Polytechnic has always been important to us, because of the many useful trades and related activities they provide for students,” said Walter Schroeder. “It’s an ideal institution for people to pursue one of the most important things they can do in life, which is to use education as a means of overcoming financial barriers. RRC Polytech is a top-notch institution that is ideally suited to do this, which is one of the reasons we chose it in our endeavours to provide scholarships and bursaries.”

RRC Polytech has previously honoured Walter and Maria Schroeder with an Honorary Bachelor of Education degree in October 2022, in recognition of their dedication to removing barriers to education for Manitoba youth.

“Partnerships and donor support are key to our success at RRC Polytech,” continued Meier. “Walter and Maria Schroeder are the embodiment of this support, as they see the value in investing today to create a better and brighter tomorrow – for students and our community.”

The Schroeders received their award this afternoon at the Manitoba Philanthropy Awards, a National Philanthropy Day celebration recognizing outstanding charitable work throughout the province.

Read the Donor Spotlight on Walter and Maria Schroeder and watch the student testimonial video here.

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day, our annual reminder to reflect and honour those who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace. All campuses will be closed on Monday, November 13 and all campus flags will be lowered to half-mast in observance of this day.

November 8 marked Indigenous Veteran’s Day, which specifically recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous soldiers. If you haven’t already,  please read the recent profile on Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech. Prior to his career in education and post-secondary leadership, Jamie spent nine years serving in both the US and Canadian Armed Forces. Read more about his story here.

Lest we forget.

On behalf of the College community, we send our condolences and deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Dr. Dick Smith, who passed away peacefully in his home earlier this week on Tuesday, November 7.

At spring convocation 2022, RRC Polytech recognized Dr. Dick Smith with an honorary diploma in Community Development for his enduring commitment to public health, specifically within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Winnipeg.

Dr. Dick Smith was a Manitoba family physician who dedicated most of his 52-year professional career to saving lives and advocating for those impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Manitoba. He was leader in the provision of clinical excellence to people often ostracized for their sexual orientation or lifestyle, and established the Village Clinic, which eventually became the Nine Circles Community Health Centre (Nine Circles).

Dr. Dick Smith’s legacy continues through the lives he has impacted, and the preventative education and care provided at Nine Circles.

All 1,400 graduates celebrated at RRC Polytech’s fall convocation this week share a sense of tremendous pride in their accomplishments and while Brittney Smith is no exception, she has been recognized for being exceptional.

In addition to graduating with Honours from the Legal Assistant Certificate Program, Brittney also proudly accepted RRC Polytech’s 2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal, the College’s highest honour awarded for academic and technical achievement, involvement in College and/or community activities, and good character.

Brittney says she’s humbled by her selection, but that her educational journey has also taught her to balance her fierce determination with the understanding that everyone needs support along the way. She believes there should not be any shame or embarrassment in acknowledging your struggles and welcoming the kindness of others.  

“Don’t let your pride stop you from achieving your goals. It’s ok to ask for help and it’s ok to accept help,” is the advice the award-winning graduate wants to share, even though she knows how difficult it can feel in the moment.       

Brittney’s determination to succeed and pursue a career in law began as a child. She has always been driven by an unwavering desire to help others around her and support those in need. Growing up, she prioritized her education and worked diligently to maintain top grades while recognizing that all activities and pursuits lead to valuable life experiences that provide the balance and perspective required to reach her ultimate goals. From basketball; dance; volunteering to plan, decorate and host events; to hand-crafting Indigenous bead wear for donations, Brittney took pride in putting others first while building trust and relationships in her community.

But when her immediate family abruptly moved to B.C. without her during her senior year, her priorities were quickly shifted to helping her older sister cover the bills and scrambling to find their next meal. Despite their strong work ethic, they simply couldn’t keep up with the increasing costs of living on their own. It was stressful. It was devastating. She felt her dream slipping away until she received a lifeline in the form of a full tuition scholarship to attend RRC Polytech from the Schroeder Foundation.       

“At the time, I could barely afford to eat so without the generous support of the scholarship I was granted, there was simply no way I would have been able to even think about attending post-secondary. I was so excited and felt so much relief when I was offered an option to work my way out of the tough spot, I was in. It motivated me to keep going and I cannot thank Walter and Maria enough for the impact they’ve made in my life.”   

She was a step closer to becoming a legal assistant, but her challenges were far from over. Just a few weeks into her 11-month program Brittney and her sister were evicted and she found herself essentially homeless. Her mental health deteriorated but she reached out mainly through support links and helplines to find the strength to manage her situation and stay focused.

She stayed late on campus to study, so her grades didn’t suffer and then with support and guidance from Career Services and her instructor, she was able to secure a practicum at one of Winnipeg’s biggest law firms. She gained valuable experience while showcasing her skills and professionalism and ultimately, they offered her a full-time position as a Legal Assistant. She’s now renting her own apartment and she’s already volunteering at the not-for-profit, Higher Learning Foundation that helps students manage their mental wellness.

“It wasn’t easy and there were times I wanted to quit, but by using the resources available to me through the College and from family and friends, I felt supported and motivated to push through – and it was so worth it! Now, just a few months removed from needing assistance, I’m in a position where I can be the one helping and encouraging others that with a lot of hard work and a little help, it is totally possible.”        

Despite her academic journey taking many unexpected twists and turns, Brittney Smith believes in the power of education, the importance of being kind and that it is empowering to accept help when you need it – and she’s not afraid to tell anyone her story in an effort to destigmatize the effects of financial instability and poor mental health.

“I’m very proud of my dedication and resiliency to earn my credentials, this award, and a job through my practicum placement,” said Smith. “I want to share my life story to inspire people that find themselves homeless and struggling with declining mental health to never give up because I’ve been able to overcome those challenges, and they need to know they can too.”

RRC Polytech adds second ceremony to celebrate over 1,400 graduates at Fall Convocation

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – For the first time since introducing a Fall Convocation, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) has added a second ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of more than 1,400 students who have completed various degree, diploma and certificate programs between May 1, 2023 and August 27, 2023.

“Our highest attended Fall Convocation to date speaks volumes to the exceptional experience RRC Polytech provides for students.  We’re thrilled our graduates want to celebrate the culmination of their studies with family, friends, loved ones and the entire College community who have supported them along their academic journey,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“The class of 2023 has the required skills, training and knowledge to drive Manitoba’s economy forward and we look forward to seeing what these leaders of tomorrow bring to the workforce and to their communities.”

RRC Polytech’s 2023 Fall Convocation marks the first time that graduates will receive credentials in two new programs:

• Nurse Re-Entry – Post-Graduate Certificate
• Welding – Applied Certificate through the Women of Steel program

Manitoba’s polytechnic is proud to build upon its reputation for providing high quality, experiential education that gets grads hired, while encouraging lifelong learning in a welcoming environment for all. On average, 96 per cent of RRC Polytech graduates begin working in their field within six months of graduating.

RRC Polytech’s Fall Convocation will take place at RBC Convention Centre, starting at 7:00pm on both evenings:

Tuesday, November 7 

• School of Business, Information Technology and Creative Arts
• School of Continuing Education
• School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts

Wednesday, November 8

• School of Education, Arts and Sciences
• School of Health Science and Community Services
• School of Indigenous Education
• School of Skilled Trades and Technology

For a full list of graduates, award winners, and to stream the ceremonies please visit rrc.ca/convocation.