2010 Recipient
John Gale, Mechanical Engineering Technology, 1980
After earning a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Red River College Polytechnic in 1980, John Gale began working in research and development for Midwest Diamond Drilling. With John leading the way, the company revolutionized the industry through the development of a new bit that was capable of drilling rock at three times the speed of the technology it replaced. John and three business partners subsequently bought Midwest in the mid-eighties, forming a new operation called Dimatec Inc. The company continued to develop innovative drilling products and manufacturing methods by assembling a strong and capable engineering team coupled with the most current technology available.
Gale decided to semi-retire in 2008 to spend more time on his beloved Lake of the Woods.But after a few months the entrepreneurial bug bit again with the opportunity to acquire a significant amount of property from the town’s former largest employer, AbitibiBowater.Gale has since developed an ambitious plan to transform Kenora into a world-class tourist and business destination, including the development of several major new resort and residential properties over the next decade.
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.