At RRC Polytech, we want everyone working, learning and visiting our campuses to feel and be safe, which is why we have a comprehensive safety strategy in place. At the Exchange District Campus, a vital part of our safety strategy has been leveraging the dedication and great work by our RRC Polytech Security team and collaborating with the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP). 

The DCSP is a non-profit organization for the purpose of enhancing the safety, health, and wellbeing of all those who live, work, learn and enjoy the downtown. This also includes providing proactive, non-emergency response, outreach, and intervention to those experiencing complex issues in Winnipeg’s downtown. 

Enhancements to our existing partnership include collaborating with additional community groups –   Bear Clan, Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CARHD), N’dinawemak, and OPK Manitoba – to ensure the right resources are available at the right time. This means that there are additional supports and access to resources for students, staff, visitors as well as community members.  

RRC Polytech is a central hub within DCSP’s patrol Zone 2 and therefore a space within the Roblin Centre has been designated for DCSP, community partners and RRC Polytech security personnel to do daily briefings, ensuring emerging safety concerns or issues are addressed in a timely manner. All partners communicate through a shared radio channel, leading to an improved incident response time. 

Having a dedicated space for DCSP and community patrol partners to be stationed on campus will help ensure members of the community can get the right supports they need, providing the RRC Polytech Security team with more capacity to support the College community – staff, faculty and students. Our Security team will primarily patrol within the three campus buildings – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Paterson GlobalFoods Institute and the Roblin Centre – and DCSP alongside community partners will patrol campus grounds and the entirety of Zone 2, supporting within campus buildings as needed. 

RRC Polytech security offices are open 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, and with the support of DCSP and community partners, EDC campus grounds are patrolled 24-hours a day.  

On the Exchange District Campus and the surrounding area, if you see a DCSP Ambassador nearby, they are here to assist you and everyone who makes up the downtown Winnipeg community. DCSP also hosts regular walks on Wednesdays and are open to anyone and any organization wanting to attend. To sign up for a walk and learn about upcoming events, check their social media channels @WinnipegDCSP. 

While RRC Polytech’s expanded partnership with DCSP is made possible through funding for this summer’s Downtown Safety Action Plan, it will move forward into the beginning of fall. Beyond this time, we will continue to collaborate with DCSP and community organizations to support one another and prioritize the safety of staff, students, visitors on campus. 

As we begin the Fall Term, it’s a good time for a reminder about the safety and security services on campus, and how you can access them.  

Safe Walk and Safe Ride services provide escorts for students, staff and visitors between two points at the Notre Dame Campus or Exchange District Campus, or to a point near the College (including parking lots.)  

To contact the patrol, pick up a Safe Walk or Safe Ride phone located across campus, or call: 

• Exchange District Campus – 204-949-8305 
  • DCSP can also be called directly at 204-947-3277 or 211 for Safe Walks 

• Notre Dame Campus – 204-632-2323  

If you witness or are experiencing a safety concern, call or visit Security on campus. RRC Polytech security personnel will address and direct your concern as needed. For example, connecting with the DCSP front line team to provide support to vulnerable community members.  

• Exchange District Campus Security Contact Info: 
  • The Roblin Centre, Room P106, Phone: 204-949-8305 
  • Paterson GlobalFoods Institute, Room 100, Phone: 204-631-3381 

• Notre Dame Campus Security Contact Info: 
  • Room C115, Phone: 204-632-2323 

The Manitoba Hydro power outage impacting RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus has been resolved and power is now restored.

We will move forward with the resumption of all classes as planned at 11:00am.

If you have any questions or concerns about your class, please contact your instructor.

Staff can continue to work with their manager to determine a plan for work for the rest of the day.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we awaited the restoration of power.

Due to a Manitoba Hydro power outage, RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus, morning classes will be cancelled. Manitoba Hydro anticipates power will be back on by 10:30am and we will provide an update at 9:30am to the College community.

We anticipate a resumption of in-person classes beginning again at 11:00am.

The campus remains open and if you are already on Campus, please do not use the elevator at this time. If you need assistance or support, please visit the Security Services team in the C Building.

Staff at NDC should work directly with their Manager to determine work arrangements during the power outage.

All other RRC Polytech Campuses are unaffected by this outage and will maintain regular operations and activities.

For immediate release: August 22, 2024

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – On August 22, 2024, RRC Polytech is hosting a special celebration to recognize the latest cohort of students to earn a Shelter Support Worker micro-credential.

RRC Polytech’s Shelter Support Worker micro-credential program was designed with industry partners to address skill gaps, meet community needs, and improve staffing levels and delivery service in homeless and family violence shelters across the province.
 
The Shelter Support Worker micro-credential program is the first of its kind in Manitoba, and the result of a collaborative effort between the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters (MAWS) and RRC Polytech. It is supported by Women and Gender Equity Manitoba (WAGE).

The Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, Minister of Families and Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Manitoba will be among the speakers during the podium presentations and photo-op. Light refreshments will be served.
 
Date:
Thursday, August 22, 2024
 
Time:
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
 
Location: 
Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
319 Elgin Avenue
Roundhouse Auditorium
RRC Polytech Exchange District Campus
 
Agenda:
Podium Presentation/Student Testimonials/Photo-op
 
Speakers:

• The Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, Minister of Families and Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Manitoba
• Jill Latschislaw, Director, Business Development, Corporate Solutions, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development, RRC Polytech
• Tsungai (Sue) Muvingi, Associate Provincial Coordinator, Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters (MAWS) 
• Nadine Smith, Acting Executive Director, Women and Gender Equity Manitoba
• Nadine Powell, Instructor, RRC Polytech
• Abhijot Kaur Chohan, Student
• Adigun Ifeoluwa, Student
• Lindsay Monkman, Student

Over the summer, the Facility Management team made important repairs and updates to the West Zone parking lot at the Notre Dame Campus. While this project is nearly complete, we want to provide an update on what to expect when arriving on Campus for the first few weeks of the academic term while we complete this important work for the RRC Polytech parking community who uses the West zone.

Beginning on Monday, August 26, the West Zone Entrance 4 (Notre Dame Avenue/Lorimer Lane) will remain temporarily closed for repairs until September 3, 2024.

Entering West Lots:

During this period, a temporary gravel roadway and access ramp (East of Lorimer Lane) will be established, serving as an inbound one-way access point to the West parking lots. Barriers will be placed along sidewalks and pathways to alert pedestrians of the change in vehicle traffic location, and a flag person will be stationed at the entrance throughout the week.

Exiting West Lots:

Exits from the College will be routed through the northeast corner of Didcote Drive or Buhr Blvd.

Facility Management will install large signs at entrance and exit points to guide parkers accessing and exiting the West Lots.

View PDF map of alternate access and exit routes.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete these repairs to the West Zone.

Please take care when entering and exiting campus, adhere to all signage and barriers, and drive cautiously as everyone navigates these temporary changes. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact facilitymanagement@rrc.ca.

Newly trained staff who recently completed the in-community phlebotomy (blood-drawing) training program are now employed at the health centre lab which will be open permanently to provide essential health services within Lake Manitoba First Nation.

The in-community phlebotomy training was customized for students in Lake Manitoba First Nation and included online delivery and in-person skills labs and clinical placement. It was delivered in partnership with SCO, Lake Manitoba First Nation, RRC Polytech, Manitoba Shared Health, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, and the Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority.

“The hard work and dedication of these students not only results in enhanced healthcare services for Lake Manitoba First Nation, but their success also demonstrates to other communities across the province that RRC Polytech is eager to listen, collaborate and co-design customized training solutions that remove barriers for Indigenous learners,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. “We look forward to building our relationship with Southern Chiefs’ Organization and exploring other opportunities that will help to empower all communities through education.”

For the full press release, visit The Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s website.

Yesterday, the federal and provincial government announced over $12 million in combined funding towards community initiatives and organizations working to end gender-based violence. RRC Polytech’s Shelter Support Worker micro-credential will receive $350,000 to continue to offer this important tuition-free program – one of 19 organizations in Manitoba to receive support.

The announcement was held at RRC Polytech’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae where the Honourable Marci Ien, Women and Gender Equality and Youth Minister for the Government of Canada and the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity announced a combined $6.2 million in federal funding with $6.35 million from Manitoba through Year Two of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

“We are honoured to be a part of this announcement and receive support for our tuition-free shelter support worker micro-credential,” said Christine Watson, vice-president academic, Red River College Polytechnic at the announcement. “This training prepares current and future shelter workers to support those in need of refuge from difficult and sometimes dangerous situations. RRC Polytech is proud to be a partner in creating a safer Manitoba for all.”

RRC Polytech’s Shelter Support Worker micro-credential program is the first of its kind in Manitoba and was designed with industry partners to address skill gaps, meet community needs and improve staffing levels and delivery service in homeless and family violence shelters across the province.

Last year, RRC Polytech celebrated its first cohort of 23 students successfully completing the program and next month will host a ceremony for an additional 19 who will complete the second cohort.

The Shelter Support Worker micro-credential was developed in partnership with RRC Polytech and Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters (MAWS) and Manitoba’s family violence and homeless shelters. The program aims to provide essential skills and knowledge for individuals involved in or aspiring to work in homeless and family and gender-based violence shelters.

The program trains existing and potential workers, provides individuals with specific knowledge and education and improves staffing levels and service delivery. It also provides individuals a chance to apply their knowledge through a practicum.

The bilateral funding agreement is part of the second year of a comprehensive 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence which aims to create a Canada free of GBV and provide support to victims, survivors and their families across the country.

Supported initiatives – like the Shelter Support Worker micro-credential – align with five pillars: supports for survivors and their families; prevention; responsive justice system; implementing Indigenous-led approaches; and social infrastructure and enabling environment.

“To work towards a future free from gender-based violence, our government is supporting community-driven actions in Manitoba,” said the Honourable Marci Ien in a joint press release. “By investing over $6.2 million in 2024-25, we are empowering Manitoban organizations to lead the way forward in preventing and addressing gender-based violence. Together with the Manitoba government, we are implementing the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence to ensure safety, support and justice for all.”

“We need to put a stop to gender-based violence in our homes and communities, and make sure survivors have the supports they need,” said the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine in a joint press release. “We are taking action to ensure there are more supports for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, working with communities to break cycles of violence, and supporting Indigenous-led and community-informed approaches to address gender-based violence across Manitoba.”

To learn more about the Shelter Support Worker micro-credential, visit rrc.ca

Partnership brings fully funded construction trades training into community to strengthen local workforce and remove barriers for Indigenous learners

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – RRC Polytech is utilizing a mobile facility in community to deliver fully funded construction trades training to Shoal Lake 40 citizens this summer in a growing partnership with Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and Niiwin Wendaanimok, a Kenora-based Indigenous training organization. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the local workforce and help shrink labour gaps as Shoal Lake 40 navigates record growth featuring numerous new building projects including a water extension project.

It’s the first time that RRC Polytech has deployed a mobile training lab (MTL) to Shoal Lake 40.  A dozen eager learners are taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about the tools and equipment, basic measurements and safety standards that will qualify them to seek immediate work as part of a construction crew, in community or beyond.

“One of the greatest barriers that many Indigenous learners face is access to education without being displaced from their support systems,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice President of Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“RRC Polytech’s mobile training labs and our ability to customize course material with micro-credentials ensures that students can stay close to home and connected to family and tradition throughout their academic journey as they acquire new skills to make a positive impact in their communities.”

The project is being fully funded by Niiwin Wendaanimok via the Skills Development Fund offered through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). The Niiwin Wendaanimok (Four Winds) Partnership is an Indigenous owned and operated corporation dedicated to providing construction, contracting and environmental monitoring services in Treaty 3 territory with a mandate to employ Anishinaabe workers and assets in development projects and ensure Anishinaabe laws and voices are respected.

“At Niiwin Wendaanimok, our mission is to rebuild the economies of our four partner First Nations while following Manito Aki Inakonigaawin (MAI), the Great Earth Law of the Anishinaabeg. This journey begins with providing comprehensive training programs to our people,” says George Kakeway, Chairman of the Board, Niiwin Wendaanimok.

“The RRC Polytech training program in Shoal Lake 40 exemplifies our commitment, equipping members with the skills they need to meaningfully participate in projects in the community and beyond, including the vital highway twinning project. Through these partnerships, we hope to build a sustainable future for our people, where honouring tradition and progress walk side by side.”

Shoal Lake 40 has over a dozen new home builds underway as well as a number of larger commercial builds on the horizon so there is a local need for general labourers in construction.

“Training local community members in our community is vitally important to our collective strength and pride,” says Chief Kevin Redsky, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. “Shoal Lake 40 First Nation is catching up from 100 years of isolation since the completion of Freedom Road in 2019 and we are very happy that our local community members are gaining the skills needed from the Red River College Polytechnic Mobile Training Lab to help rebuild our Nation.” 

Students began their initial 13-week learning journey earning micro-credentials in safety standards and awareness, tool and equipment use and care, and construction-related measurement and math. They are currently being introduced to the concepts and techniques of basic plumbing and piping and recently completed a two-week course on wood framing that led to the construction of ice fishing shacks that will be shared with the community.

On Monday, they even got a chance to show off their work and share their experiences with a tour of special guests including His Worship, Scott Gillingham, Mayor of the City of Winnipeg and the Honourable Ian Bushie, Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations, who were in community for an annual meeting.

“The ice fishing shack is looking pretty good, so I’m proud of everyone’s work and how much they’ve learned,” said student, Rowen Sky, who is currently working as a framer for a company based in Richer, MB. He’s using the training as, “a good refresher that gives me more time with our young family.”

“We’ve always built things ourselves, but now we’ll know how to build them right so things around here will last longer and be safer for our kids,” added his partner and fellow student, Kendra Green.

The program gives students flexibility in their learning with entry and exit points that can lead directly to employment opportunities in their own community. Students also get a chance to become more comfortable in their new roles by touring current job sites and meeting with sub-contractors and potential employers.

“In addition to building new physical structures and stronger communities, these students are also learning to build relationships that can help them to achieve their goals and dreams while becoming positive role models within their community,” says Wilson. “We look forward to continuing to grow this partnership with Shoal Lake 40 and are committed to supporting all Indigenous communities across Manitoba.”     

RRC Polytech has previously supported youth entrepreneurs from Harvey Redsky Memorial School in launching a for-profit business that will generate revenue and bring attention to Shoal Lake 40 First Nation’s legacy from tragedy to opportunity in their generation.

RRC Polytech purchased decals designed by the student-entrepreneurs through a Future Business Leaders Project that will be placed near re-fillable bottle stations on campus. The decals provide information about Shoal Lake 40 providing clean drinking water to City of Winnipeg residents and promote our shared and sacred responsibility to protect the environment. (Learn more)

About Mobile Training Labs (MTLs):

The MTLs are 53-foot-long semi-trailers with slide-out sides that can quickly transform into 950 square feet of vocational training space bringing a classroom, any necessary equipment and professional instruction directly into rural communities.

About micro-credentials:

Micro-credentials are shareable endorsements of knowledge, skills or competencies gained through the completion of a course, a module or demonstration of understanding and are often represented by digital badges. They can also be stacked as learners build their knowledge base and this allows course content to be adapted to meet the specific needs of the students and the community.

When the Blue and Gold called with an exciting opportunity to participate in a culinary competition, RRC Polytech answered. Melissa Hryb, Culinary Arts instructor, who is no stranger to competitions, knew her first-year students were up to the challenge of competing in this year’s Taste of the Blue Bombers: A Gourmet Tailgate.

Typically, Culinary Arts students participate in work-integrated learning in the fall of their second term, but equipped with support from Melissa and fellow instructors, Chantalle Noschese and Mandy Wingert, first-year students Shams Alam, Bianca Alfonso, Kristine Ebero, Matteo Clayton, Augmignonne (Meg) Dimatulac, Will Earle, Kaixiang (Eric) Huang, Jianhua (Sherry) Huang, Dominic Ladyka, and Mingye (Mary) Ma set their sights on the podium at Princess Auto Stadium as the only student team participating against 12 local restaurants and bakeries.

“I wanted my students to see that while competitions can be intense, they’re also really fun and rewarding,” said Melissa.

With the theme of “tailgating” students spent two days chopping and prepping for their culinary creation – barbecue pulled pork with crispy onions and loaded baked potato salad, topped with an RRC Polytech paprika tuile. Everything was handcrafted from scratch, including a signature barbecue sauce and the tuile topper – a fancy cracker – was made using a custom 3D-printed mould.

On May 23, 600 hungry guests circled the stadium with their Taste of the Blue Bombers passports in hand, stopping by each station to sample signature dishes. After sampling, guests scanned a QR code to vote for the fan-favourite dish in the restaurant or bakery category.

The event was an opportunity for students to share their signature pulled pork dish with guests, tour the stadium’s kitchen, and meet chefs working in the industry.

“It’s always beneficial for students to get outside the lab and be immersed in hands-on learning in community. The competition also gave the 10 student participants the chance to meet alumni and their future industry colleagues,” mused Melissa.

While it was a long day, starting around 8:00 a.m., all students were nothing but smiles after their signature dish was a touchdown, taking the top spot as the fan-favourite dish in the restaurant category.

“Taking home a win was great, but the true cherry on top for me was seeing my students growing more confident in themselves, interacting with guests, and still smiling as we loaded up dirty dishes at 9:30 p.m.”

RRC Polytech prepares the next generations of influencers in the fields of culinary arts and professional baking. Learn more about the Culinary Arts, Professional Baking and Pastry and Culinary Skills programs at rrc.ca/explore/culinary

On June 18, Southport Aerospace Centre hosted the fourth annual Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Day at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Stevenson Southport Campus. The day included seven sessions for 240 grade eight students from Portage School Division, Sandy Bay First Nation, and Long Plain First Nation.

The students split into morning and afternoon sessions where they learned from experts who work in aircraft maintenance about aircraft hydraulic systems, the importance of daily inspection, what makes planes fly, and more. They also got to participate in simulators where they learned how to maintain a helicopter in the “hover” position.

This is the fourth annual AME day introducing grade 8 students to the world of aircraft maintenance and demonstrating the rewarding careers students could experience one day.

Students were also treated to hearing the story of a recent RRC Polytech grad, Riley Kintscher. He attended the first AME Day event in 2018 and was inspired by the speaker he heard that day so much that he decided to pursue a career in aviation and aerospace. This spring Riley graduated from the Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program and is now employed by Canadian Helicopters Limited. Riley was a part of this year’s AME Day, inspiring other young minds to consider following in his footsteps.

The Apprenticeship Aircraft Maintenance program is designed to help students attain Transport Canada approved training status, 48 months of aviation maintenance work experience, and three technical examinations required to obtain an AME license.

AME Day 2024 was another great success and thanks to the expert instruction of their session leaders, students left with the knowledge of the incredible opportunities that await them should they choose to pursue careers in the aviation and aerospace industry, and how local training through RRC Polytech can help support them.

For more information about the AME Program, visit our catalogue.