For immediate release: March 8, 2024

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – Tomorrow, Winnipeg youth in grades 7 and 8 will have the opportunity to learn about new manufacturing technologies and try their hand at 3D printing, robotics and more, at the Gene Haas Manufacturing Bootcamp, hosted by Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech).

Bootcampers will learn industry-standard techniques and technologies from instructors and mentors and hear about how their creativity can transfer into a career in manufacturing.

Where: RRC Polytech’s Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (T Building, see map), 2055 Notre Dame Avenue

When: Saturday, March 9, between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

• 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.        Speakers: Minister Cable, Fred Meier, and Kevin Johnson (industry partner)
• 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.       Activity #1

Media availability with:

• The Honourable Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training
• Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech
• Bootcampers and their guardians

As Manitoba’s only polytechnic, experiential (hands-on) learning is a key component of RRC Polytech’s educational delivery, providing learners with the technical and practical skills they need before stepping into their first job. The aim of Haas Manufacturing Bootcamps is to create early exposure with youth and their guardians to what a polytechnic education can offer and spark interest in pursuing a career in the manufacturing sector.

The bootcamp will take place in RRC Polytech’s Haas Innovation Lab, outfitted with current and cutting-edge equipment from Haas Automation. The space is used by students in the Manufacturing CAD, CNC Machinist Technician, and CNC Machining and Advanced Technology programs.

Tomorrow’s bootcamp is the second session of 2024, after a successful inaugural year. Select spots are still available for camps in April, May and June. For more information about upcoming Gene Haas Manufacturing Bootcamps, visit rrc.ca.

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – With great energy and enthusiasm, students are returning to Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) campuses across Manitoba beginning today for the start of the fall term, where they will be getting acquainted and celebrating at both College and RRC Polytech Students’ Association led welcoming events scheduled throughout the week.

“The first few days of fall semester always bring a special blend of excitement and anticipation to our campuses. We are excited to welcome new students and returning students as they embark on their own unique academic journeys filled with new discoveries, relationships, and opportunities,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic at RRC Polytech. “Back-to-school activities are more than just social events; they introduce RRC Polytech’s culture of caring, foster a sense of belonging and help to create an inclusive community to ensure our students have the support and confidence to reach their true potential.”

In an ongoing tradition, members of the College’s Senior Leadership Team will greet students this morning as they arrive at the main entrances of the Notre Dame Campus (NDC) and the Exchange District Campus (EDC). Information booths will be in place throughout the week for students to learn about educational resources and volunteer opportunities, provide additional supports and help guide them around campus.

The RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA) is hosting Back-to-School Block Parties Monday at NDC and Tuesday at EDC where students, staff, and faculty are invited to enjoy fun activities, music, food, shopping and more.

“The primary goal of the RRC Polytech Students’ Association is to make student life better, and welcoming students back on campus for another exciting year of learning, friendships, and self-discovery is the perfect way for us to introduce ourselves to the incoming student body,” said Jemma Ignacio RRCSA Student Life Director. “These welcoming events are an opportunity to get to become familiar with the campus and better understand the supports and services the RRCSA can offer students along their academic journey.”

The first week of fall classes will wrap up on Friday evening with a spectacular Outdoor Color Party at NDC – a vibrant dance party and exhilarating celebration hosted by the RRCSA and inspired by the joyous festival of Holi. It is open to all staff, students, faculty and their friends and family who are encouraged to dress in white attire to fully embrace the explosion of eco-friendly color powders that symbolize the triumph of good over evil.

Events will return a week later as RRC Polytech celebrates Welcoming Week, an Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada annual campaign to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome and that they belong in their local community, no matter where they come from. The Centre for Newcomer Integration supported by BMO, located on the second floor of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae on the Exchange District Campus will host various Welcoming Week activities from September 8th – 17^th.

Media are invited and welcome to attend any and all of the Welcome Back to RRC Polytech Activities.

SLT Welcomes Students

Notre Dame Campus

Monday, August 28

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Bus Loop Entrance

West Parking Lot Entrance

Exchange District Campus

Monday, August 28

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Roblin Centre

Manitou a bi Bii daziigae

Back-to-School Block Parties

Notre Dame Campus

Monday, August 28

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

D-E-F Courtyard

Exchange District Campus

Tuesday, August 29

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Elgin Plaza

Outdoor Color Party

Notre Dame Campus

Friday, September 1

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Bus Loop Field (Dalton Cres.)

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – Tomorrow, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) and RBC are hosting the second annual Reaction by Collision event celebrating Indigenous culture and community.
 
RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Food, Fashion, and Music: An RBC Reaction by Collision Community Event will showcase Indigenous culture and arts in Winnipeg. As part of RRC Polytech’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the event is meant to immerse guests in Indigenous culture, featuring some of the brightest local entrepreneurs, chefs, designers, and performers.
 
Event highlights include haute couture model runway, delectable cuisines from local chefs, a crafter’s market with local artisans, and music provided by Juno-award nominated Indian City.
 
Featured guests include Brownees Urban Bistro, Feast Café Bistro, Olivia Nasikapow, Gayle Grubin, Dawn Harris, Indian City, OGICHIDAA, and many others. To learn more about the feature guests and the event, visit our Indigenous Education page.

What: Indigenous Food, Fashion and Music an RBC Reaction by Collision community event
When: Wednesday, April 19 2023 from 1p.m. to 5p.m.
Where: Manitou a bi Bii daziigae | RRC Polytech – 319 Elgin Avenue

TODAY – Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) invites all staff, students, and community members to the annual Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Stirling Engine Competition.

The event is the culmination of the first-year Mechanical Engineering Technology students’ hard work as they built their own Stirling engines from the ground up. The students will be demonstrating their engines at the event, and will be judged on aspects like efficiency and aesthetic. 

Named after its inventor, Robert Stirling, the engines work by converting heat energy into mechanical energy.

Date: TODAY, Tuesday, April 18

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (STTC) – T Building of RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus (2055 Notre Dame Avenue)

Photo Opportunity: Media are invited to come out and see the students’ work during judging, which will begin around 1:00 p.m.

Why: The competition has been an annual MET student tradition for about two decades, and it will be the first to be held since COVID-19 restrictions forced the College to put the event on hold.

The competition is an integral part in the learning outcomes for RRC Polytech’s MET students. They gain valuable problem-solving experience ensuring they are ready to tackle any problem they may encounter in the industry.

Contact:

Paolo Gonzales
Communications Intern
204.509.0864
pgonzales2@rrc.ca

TODAY – Thursday, April 13, 2023, Red River College Polytechnic invites all staff, students, and community members to learn about Sikh culture by wearing a turban with pride. Everyone is welcome to attend the event, to ask questions, and to wear a turban for the day. 

The event started in 2014 by business administration student (now RRC Polytech staff) Sukhjot Singh, as a way to educate staff and students who might have questions about his turban but were too afraid to ask. The annual event is now led by the Red River College Polytechnic Students’ Association with support from the College.

Date: TODAY, Thursday, April 13

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Mall Level (basement) of RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus

Why: April is Sikh heritage month, and April 13, 2023 is the first official Turban Day in Manitoba. The annual event in RRC Polytech is celebrating its fifth year and is a way for students from India to share the importance of the turban with the RRC Polytech community.

Diversity is one of the greatest strengths at RRC Polytech, and sharing our cultural diversity creates a welcoming atmosphere to our staff, students, and community members.

Contact:

Paolo Gonzales
Communications Intern
204.509.0864
pgonzales2@rrc.ca

Lauren Parsons
Communications Officer
204.226.4798
lkparsons@rrc.ca

Winnipeg, MB – The bees are back in town and Red River College (RRC) is sweetening the deal for our busy little buddies this year with the addition of a new Pollinator Garden located on the grounds of the Notre Dame Campus. Today, staff, students and members of the media are invited to come and tour the new Pollinator Garden, check out the rooftop hives, and ‘meet the bees’ over the noon hour.

For four years, the College has partnered with Beeproject Apiaries to bring the fascinating world of honeybees, not to mention delicious honey, back to Red River College for students and staff. Urban beekeeping is one of the many innovative and green initiatives offered by the College as a way to engage staff and students in sustainability efforts on campus and at home, and has contributed to the College being named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the ninth straight year.

Because pollination is so important to the sustainability of our sweet friends, this year, under the leadership of our Grounds Department, the College has completed a new Pollinator Garden project.

“Staff and student engagement is critical for the success of any of the sustainability projects that Red River College initiates, and we have seen that many areas of the College eager to get involved and make sustainability a priority within their departments,” said Sara MacArthur, Director of Sustainability at RRC.

“We were fortunate to partner with the Grounds Department, who went over and above to create this beautiful Pollinator Garden at the Notre Dame Campus for everyone – not only our pollinator friends, but also students and staff – to engage with and enjoy.”

The Pollinator Garden is located along the walking path on the South-East grounds of the Notre Dame Campus, and features many diverse species of flowers and plants in order to support as many different pollinators as possible. These include:

• Harebell Flower | Campanula Rotundifolia: Producing bell-shaped flowers that bloom singly or in small clusters, this bluebell can be found in meadows, grasslands, rocky slopes, crevices, alpine areas and sandy shores.
• Black-Eyed Susan | Rudbeckia Hirta: ‘Hirta’ means hairy, referencing the short bristles that cover the leaves and stems. Growing up to 3’ tall on stiff, upright, leafy stems, this flower attracts butterflies and birds the whole way up.
• Giant Hyssop | Agastache Foeniculum: Not only is this flower a favourite with bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, its seeds attract goldfinches! You’ll want to put your nose up to this one to see if you can smell the faint fragrance of anise.

This summer, RRC has three hives installed on the rooftop of the Notre Dame Campus and estimates suggest they could yield up to 100kgs of honey, that will later be sold at the campus stores and College-run farmers’ markets held throughout the year.

Due to logistics around hive access, this session will be open to members of the media who indicate their intention to attend in advance. Please contact Emily Doer edoer@rrc.ca or 204-990-1885 to confirm your attendance.

Winnipeg, MB – Can they build it? Yes, they can – or will soon learn how to, with the help of Red River College’s Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) camp. This week, sixteen girls between the ages of 12-14 will be on campus to try their hand at a variety of different skilled-trades fields, under the guidance of RRC’s industry leading instructors.

Over the next few days, these little learners will be building their very own pipe desk lamp with charging device, and tomorrow, the girls will learning in the College’s new state-of-the-art Skilled Trades and Technology Centre, working in the sheet metal shop and fashioning their copper lampshades. This main project combines a variety of different trade components including carpentry, plumbing / pipe fitting, electrical work, sheet metal and painting. The girls will also be exposed to the welding and outdoor power equipment trades, as well as robotics.

For 13 summers, Red River College has offered the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) camp as a fun way to introduce young girls to applied skills and technology careers, and encourage them to consider a variety of career choices. The GETT summer camp reinforces the importance of taking science, advanced math subjects and industrial arts in high school by stressing the impact those subjects have on career decisions.

Members of the media are invited to Red River College’s Notre Dame Campus tomorrow, Tuesday, July 9 at 10:00am while the campers work on their pipe desk lamp project in the sheet metal shop. Please contact Emily Doer: edoer@rrc.ca | 204-990-1885 for more information.

For more information on all of the camps being offered at Red River College this summer, visit www.rrc.ca/kidscamps

Winnipeg, MB – Today, Red River College (RRC) is showing off its good genes, with the launch of the Genome³⁶⁰ initiative and the unveiling of new, state-of-the-art equipment to support ongoing learning and research at the College.

Today’s unveiling will showcase the iSeq100, a small but mighty machine – not much bigger than a microwave – that will bring Red River College into the era of next-generation DNA sequencing. Designed for simplicity, the iSeq100 allows labs of all sizes to sequence DNA rapidly and with high accuracy. The equipment will provide students with the hands-on training needed to excel within laboratories and to thrive in the workforce of this growing field.

Also on display at today’s launch is a prototype Molecular Biology Interactive Learning Enterprise – or MOBILE Lab, for short. The electric vehicle, that’s bigger than a golf cart but smaller than a car, will be parked temporarily inside RRC’s A building today, and while it’s designed for mobility, its permanent home is with Genome Prairie. The MOBILE lab, developed in partnership with Westward Industries, provides storage, transport, and sufficient workspace to bring the lab into the field or classroom.

With a total investment of $2.3 million, the Genome³⁶⁰ initiative aims to propel Manitoba to prominence in the genomics sector. Included in the investment is Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) equipment such as the iSeq100, now located at Red River College.

Genome³⁶⁰ is an initiative started by Genome Prairie and its funding partners to build a hub for genomics and phenomics capabilities in Manitoba.

WHO: Representatives from Red River College, Genome Prairie, Illumina Canada, Pest Surveillance Initiative, and the Composites Innovation Centre will speak prior to a reception and tour of the lab where the iSeq100 equipment is housed.

WHEN: Today, Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 10:30a.m. (formal program to begin at 10:30a.m. with reception and tour to follow)

WHERE:
Red River College’s Notre Dame Campus – A Building lobby (East entrance)
2055 Notre Dame Ave

Photo opportunities:

• Announcement of funding from RRC President Paul Vogt, industry partners
• iSeq100 sequencing machine in lab A205
• MOBILE Lab – an electric-powered vehicle that provides storage, transport, and workspace to bring the lab into the field or classroom

Today, Red River College’s Shell Eco-marathon competition team will be unveiling the updated SpaRRCky battery-electric vehicle.

The Shell Eco-marathon is a competition that challenges students around the world to design, build and drive the most energy-efficient vehicle. With three major annual events in Asia, Americas and Europe, student teams take to the track to see who goes the farthest on the least amount of fuel.

SpaRRCky raced against 100 student teams in the 2018 competition and placed 14th in the battery-electric category after a successful run around the track – achieving 104km/kwh. The team is hoping that with experience under their belt, and improvements to SpaRRCky, they’ll place even higher in the 2019 competition.

WHERE:      Skilled Trades and Technology Centre – 2055 Notre Dame Avenue

WHEN:          TODAY March 14, 2019

TIME:            4p.m

WHAT:        Guests and media will have the opportunity to hear from team members and
faculty advisers about the improvements and changes made to SpaRRCky
over the last year. Opportunity to view and photograph the completed
SpaRRCky vehicle with members of the team.

Winnipeg, MB – It’s all systems go today at Red River College’s (RRC) Stevenson Campus, where the Government of Canada will make an exciting announcement for Manitoba’s aviation sector – one of the largest in Canada.

Dr. Doug Eyolfson, Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St.James-Assiniboia-Headingley and Paul Vogt, RRC President and CEO will share flight plans to ensure students training for careers aircraft maintenance training will be ready for takeoff generations to come.

For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Emily Doer, 204-990-1885 or edoer@rrc.ca

WHAT: 
On behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, MP Doug Eyolfson will announce support that will help students reach new heights in aviation and aeronautics.

WHO:  

• Dr. Doug Eyolfson, Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St.James-Assiniboia-Headingley
• Paul Vogt, RRC President and CEO
• RRC Aviation and Aerospace students, instructors, and staff
• Industry partners and supporters

DATE: Thursday, March 7, 2019

TIME: 11:00am

WHERE:
Red River College’s Stevenson Aviation Campus – Hubert Kleysen Hangar:
2280 Saskatchewan Avenue

Photo opportunities:

• MP Doug Eyolfson and RRC President, Paul Vogt, will make the announcement in Red River College’s Stevenson Campus in the Hubert Kleysen Hangar.
• Students working in the classrooms and in hangar area.