For immediate release:

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory - the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis –

Bursting onto menus around the globe as a featured flavour, hot honey is the latest food sensation that’s tickling the tastebuds of consumers, from casual diners to connoisseurs – and now a uniquely Canadian version has hit the market as a result of an applied research project at RRC Polytech. 

Bee Maid Honey Limited, a co-operative owned and operated by over 300 Western Canadian beekeepers, recently partnered with RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) to develop its own signature version of hot honey that uses chipotle to bring some smoky heat to its traditionally sweet and pure product. 

“Bee Maid’s chipotle hot honey is a tasty example of how Prairie Research Kitchen leads food innovation by supporting companies and communities with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a team of professional and student researchers who specialize in blending food science with culinary skills to solve specific challenges,” said Mavis McRae, Director of RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen. 

Many hot honey products popularized in the US refer to its breakthrough use in the Nashville area and rely on a nondescript pepper blend to achieve its ‘hot’ characteristic, focusing more on heat than on flavour. Bee Maid’s experts worked closely with the PRK team to develop a 100 per cent Canadian version with heat from a defined flavour profile that chefs with refined palates can instantly identify and trust to be consistent in their recipes. 

“For over 70 years, Bee Maid has proudly packed the finest quality white, golden and amber honey produced in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba,” said Shannon Bowden, Senior Brand and Communications Manager at Bee Maid. “Our iconic brand is world-renowned for traceability, quality assurance, and sustainability – but prior to collaborating with the Prairie Research Kitchen we didn’t have the staff or product development resources to fully explore flavour enhancements like this.” 

After connecting at Food and Beverage Manitoba’s annual Cultivate Sustainability Conference and Trade Show, PRK and Bee Maid’s shared mission to ensure this innovative food trend sticks around to become a new standard was clear and time was of the essence. So, the first-time partners skipped the complex waggle dance and got right to work swarming the problem with their collective expertise. 

“Creating a great tasting new product that will stand out in a competitive marketplace was only part of the challenge in this project,” explained McRae. “Honey crystallizes quickly when other ingredients are introduced so we had to perform many trials to determine the right combinations for a hot flavour profile that would complement and elevate Bee Maid’s delicious amber honey, while maintaining its smooth texture and prolonging its shelf life.” 

After months of sensory and stability testing to perfect the process, the final product was launched and received rave reviews at Toronto’s annual Restaurants Canada Show, the nation’s largest hospitality and food service trade event. Gordon Food Service is currently distributing it to customers across Canada under its Brickman’s Brand, and it’s already featured prominently on the menus of local restaurants. 

A Little Pizza Heaven now offers the ‘Heavenly Hot Honey’ a buzzworthy combination with chicken, bacon, spinach, and roasted red peppers as part of its gourmet lineup and suggests a hot honey drizzle as a flavour upgrade on any pizza. 

“We tried it and loved it,” said co-owner, Dave Fox. “It was a no-brainer for us to add a high-quality ingredient that’s trending with our customers, but there’s also tremendous value in supporting local honey producers because it’s our philosophy that cooperation within the sector drives economic success for everyone across the province.” 

Working together for mutual benefit has been a consistent theme on the project. RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts students and chef instructors also gained some valuable experience through the project, by testing their own creativity when showing off the honey’s versatility in a recent culinary competition. 

With an innovative new food item that serves as a testament to teamwork and the importance of surrounding one’s self with a strong hive, Bee Maid is confident that the success of the project will linger like the layers of flavour in its chipotle hot honey.  

“Adding a little spice to our classic lineup of products immediately ignited sales with our commercial clients and we’re hopeful a retail option will be coming soon,” said Bowden. “We couldn’t have done it without our partners at PRK, so we’re excited to continue building relationships that allow Bee Maid to explore new product opportunities, increase market growth, and demonstrate our belief in the power of collaboration.” 

To access RRC Polytech’s vast array of technology, expertise and facilities such as Prairie Research Kitchen, please contact Research Partnerships & Innovation at rpi@rrc.ca 

The RRC Polytech Students’ Association announced today a return of the Varsity Athletics program as a student-led initiative and has been accepted to compete in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year. 

The Students’ Association will be the first student-led organization in MCAC history to organize, manage, fund, and oversee a Varsity Athletics program in partnership with a post-secondary organization.  

“RRC Polytech commends the Students’ Association on their leadership and commitment to revive the varsity athletics program and seek full membership in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference. We recognize Varsity Athletics can play an important role in enriching student life, strengthening community connections, and enhancing the overall post-secondary experience,” said Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President Academic at RRC Polytech. 

Beginning this fall, Varsity Athletics will participate in Women’s and Men’s Basketball, Women’s and Men’s Volleyball and Cross-Country Running.  

While the Varsity Athletics program will be led by the Students’ Association, RRC Polytech will support the program through access to facilities, such as gymnasiums and changing rooms, and ongoing collaboration to ensure student enrollment and eligibility. 

“It is exciting to be part of bringing Varsity Athletics back to RRC Polytech. There is a kind of energy and sense of pride that Varsity Athletics brings that has been missing on campus, and this achievement would not have been possible without the overwhelming support from students, the broader community, and our collaboration with RRC Polytech. The Students’ Association is eager to build on this momentum heading into the MCAC 2026–27 season,” said Jasmine Lucero, President, RRC Polytech Students’ Association. 

The return of Varsity Athletics complements RRC Polytech’s Campus Well-Being unit, which provides programs, services and resources to support the holistic health of students, staff and faculty, including popular intramural and fitness activities. Campus Well-Being has primary responsibility for RRC Polytech’s college-wide mental health strategy while operating two fitness facilities, two gymnasiums, intramurals and a variety of virtual and in-person activities that promote health and wellness.  

For more information about the return of Varsity Athletics, please visit the RRC Polytech Students’ Association’s website.  

RRC Polytech’s Winnipeg Campuses will be open today and back to full operations following yesterday’s blizzard impacting communities across Manitoba. 

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

• Portage campus is open. 

• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses are open. 

• Winkler campus is closed. 

• Selkirk campus is open. 

• Steinbach campus is open. 

• Steinbach and Arborg Language Training Centre will be online. 

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

If you are unable to make it to campus safely due to road conditions, please contact your supervisor or instructor. 

RRC Polytech will continue monitoring today’s changing weather. Any updates to campus operations will be shared on rrc.ca/marcom/news 

RRC Polytech is pleased to congratulate Jamie Wilson, Vice President Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech on his recent appointment as Chair of Manitoba Hydro Board of Directors. 

We are incredibly proud to celebrate this professional milestone for Jamie. His leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to community make this appointment especially meaningful, and we’re grateful to have a leader at RRC Polytech whose impact extends so far beyond our own walls. 

Jamie is a member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation has served as Vice Chair on the Manitoba Hydro Board of Directors since 2023.  He is the first Indigenous Chair of the Board of Directors in Manitoba Hydro’s history. 

This role truly reflects the trust others place in his vision and values. It speaks to the care he has for building strong and sustainable futures for Indigenous communities, for Manitoba, and for the next seven generations. This appointment speaks to how he leads, mentors, and shows up for community in everything he does. 

RRC Polytech is an organization that is shaped by the people who study and work here. We are fortunate to have individuals across the institution who have knowledge, expertise and experience that support sectors across the province, and who contribute in many ways to other organizational, industry, and advisory boards. 

With appointments like Jamie’s at Manitoba Hydro, or with staff and faculty who serve similar volunteer or appointed roles, we appreciate the integrity and dedication they continue to commit to for RRC Polytech while also maintaining the respect of interests for these important external opportunities. 

RRC Polytech is honoured to have Jamie as one of our senior leaders. We appreciate the guidance and impact he provides here, and across our community. Again, we extend our sincerest congratulations on this well-deserved and exciting appointment. 

Due to the continued poor weather and road conditions across the province including high winds, blowing snow, poor visibility and highway closures, RRC Polytech’s Winnipeg Campuses will remain closed for the rest of the day and evening today in the interest of the safety of the Polytech community.   

This includes the Notre Dame Campus, Exchange District Campus and Stevenson Winnipeg campus.  

Winnipeg Police Service has advised against travel due to the worsening conditions. If you are already on Campus, please remain sheltered in place until conditions approve. Please contact Security Services so that they can account for all those who remain on the premises and offer assistance: 

Notre Dame Campus  
Location: Room C115  
Phone: 204-632-2323  

The Roblin Centre  
Location: Room P106  
Phone: 204-949-8305  
  
Manitou a bi Bii daziigae  
Location: E129   
Phone: 204-949-8544  

Paterson GlobalFoods Institute  
Location: Room 100  
Phone: 204-631-3381  

The safety of students and staff is our highest priority, and we will continue to monitor conditions closely. 

 Your instructor will connect with you directly if classes will be moved online. 

RRC Polytech will continue to monitor the situation and will send additional updates about potential further closures for the Winnipeg campuses.  

Updates will continue to be provided through LEARN and at rrc.ca/marcom  

Due to the continued poor weather and road conditions across the province including high winds, blowing snow, poor visibility and highway closures, RRC Polytech’s will Winnipeg Campuses will remain closed until 11:00a.m. today – Thursday, December 18 – in the interest of the safety of the Polytech community.  

This includes the Notre Dame Campus, Exchange District Campus and Stevenson Winnipeg campus. 

RRC Polytech will continue to monitor the situation and will send additional updates about potential further closures for the Winnipeg campuses. Please check back for an update at 10:00a.m. today about whether campuses will reopen at noon or remain closed for the day. 

Regional campuses are all closed and staff and students have been notified. Classes will be moved online. 

Winnipeg Campus entrances will remain accessible and members of the Security Services team will remain onsite and available to assist staff and students who may be on campus: 

Notre Dame Campus 
Location: Room C115 
Phone: 204-632-2323 

The Roblin Centre 
Location: Room P106 
Phone: 204-949-8305 
 
Manitou a bi Bii daziigae 
Location: E129  
Phone: 204-949-8544 

Paterson GlobalFoods Institute 
Location: Room 100 
Phone: 204-631-3381 

Updates will continue to be provided through LEARN and at rrc.ca/marcom 

Due to the changing weather and road conditions across the province including high winds, blowing snow, poor visibility and highway closures, RRC Polytech will close all Winnipeg Campuses at 5:00pm today – Wednesday, December 17 – in the interest of the safety of the Polytech community.  

All evening classes and space rentals will be cancelled. 

We encourage you to use this time to arrange for safe transportation home from campus. 

If you live outside of the city or have safety concerns about travel, please work directly with your instructor or supervisor.  

RRC Polytech will continue to monitor the situation and will send additional updates about potential further closures for the Winnipeg campuses. Please check back for updates before attempting to come to campus on Thursday, December 18. 

Regional campuses have notified staff and students about campus closures and have moved classes online. 

For those who need assistance or support, please visit the Security Services team who will remain onsite and available to assist staff and students: 

Notre Dame Campus 
Location: Room C115 
Phone: 204-632-2323 

The Roblin Centre 
Location: Room P106 
Phone: 204-949-8305 
 
Manitou a bi Bii daziigae 
Location: E129  
Phone: 204-949-8544 

Paterson GlobalFoods Institute 
Location: Room 100 
Phone: 204-631-3381 

Updates will continue to be provided through LEARN and at rrc.ca/marcom 

Creation of the collaborative Innovation Garage will accelerate Manitoba’s competitiveness in the shift to cleaner energy 

Today, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) announced a $3.3 million investment that will expand applied research capacity at RRC Polytech’s Vehicle and Technology Energy Centre (VTEC) helping local manufacturers and businesses in sectors vital to Manitoba’s economy to address gaps in their ability to innovate on the path toward zero emissions. 

“Building a stronger, more competitive Canadian economy means investing in the Prairies’ unique strengths. And this is exactly why we are supporting the Vehicle Technology Centre and expanding applied research capacity at RRC Polytech,” said the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada in a news release. “Our new government is helping Manitoba’s heavy equipment and vehicle sector innovate, adopt new technologies, and create good jobs for workers and opportunities for local business. Together we are strengthening Canada’s clean industrial economy and ensuring we build Canada strong.” 

The federal investment of $3.3 million will help establish the Innovation Garage at RRC Polytech, in partnership with the Vehicle Technology Centre, the Province of Manitoba, and private-sector partners. This amount is in addition to the $3.3 million investment made by the Government of Manitoba by the Honourable Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation.  

“This investment builds on the strength of Manitoba’s heavy equipment and vehicle sector which exports around the world and supports thousands of good jobs right here at home,” said the Honourable Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation in a news release. “By partnering with industry and RRC Polytech, we’re helping companies adopt new technologies, scale up, and bring more made-in-Manitoba innovations to the global market.” 

The Innovation Garage is a flexible project space that will enable academic researchers and industry partners to work together to advance research and development (R&D) of processes and products that support the heavy equipment and vehicle (HEV) sector and accelerate the province’s transition to a low carbon economy. It will feature leading-edge equipment, tools, and technology including a microgrid lab focused on energy innovation and EV infrastructure, and a hydrogen and fuel cell lab to advance clean propulsion systems and other new technologies. 

“The Innovation Garage at RRC Polytech is about preparing Manitoba’s manufacturing sector for the challenges and opportunities of a changing world,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “As industries transition to cleaner energy and work to address climate change, this investment provides the technology, expertise, and collaborative space needed to innovate quickly and efficiently. Together, we’re building solutions that make our province more competitive and more sustainable for generations to come.” 

The Innovation Garage strengthens RRC Polytech’s relationship with the Vehicle Technology Centre (VTC) by increasing the institution’s support of and collaboration with Manitoba’s cluster of HEV manufacturing leaders. This will help small- and medium-sized enterprises adopt new technologies, strengthen workforce skills, and bring more made-in-Canada innovations to market.  

The project will also support the VTC’s Clean Technology and Advanced Manufacturing program, which helps manufacturers leverage their investments in industrial applied research and development.  

“Manitoba’s heavy vehicle and equipment manufacturers drive market leadership through ongoing innovation,” said Ron Vanderwees, President and CEO, Vehicle Technology Centre. “Today’s announcement will allow our manufacturers to conduct industrial-scale advanced research on site at RRC Polytech in collaboration with academic researchers, suppliers, and contractors. Combined with the Clean Technology and Advanced Manufacturing program funding announced today, this investment will accelerate innovation in our regional cluster and build the research expertise needed for continued success.” 

The Innovation Garage is an exciting evolution in RRC Polytech’s commitment to elevating industry and community through practical training and applied research. It’s an opportunity to collaborate with more of the province’s best and brightest to support digital transformation and develop more advanced and sustainable manufacturing processes and products that are critical to the adoption of cleaner tech. 

The impacts are often cumulative. Groundbreaking projects like developing the world’s first electric tundra buggy with Noble Northern established RRC Polytech’s VTEC as a proven hub for innovation that specializes in the testing, validation, and demonstration of emerging vehicle technologies and alternative energy systems. Knowledge from that project was then applied to the creation of a diesel-to-electric conversion kit for school buses, which could be further adapted to help subsequent partners convert fire trucks, farm machinery, and other heavy equipment to more efficient power sources. 

The addition of the Innovation Garage will expand VTEC’s capacity to conduct technical exploration, increase commercialization, and introduce a broader spectrum of technologies to assist more local companies to accelerate their clean technology transition while offering practical experience to students. 

“RRC Polytech’s collaborative efforts to support digital adoption and advance clean technology across all sectors is ongoing daily,” said Meier. “The new resources made possible by today’s investment empower our experts in Research Partnerships & Innovation to expand their work, and to seek and strengthen relationships that drive sustainable progress and economic prosperity for all Manitobans.”

As the Fall Term comes to a close, there are updates to share in advance of the new year. To ensure you’re prepared for the Winter Term, please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the following information:

Campus hours and closures

RRC Polytech will operate on holiday hours from noon on Dec 24, 2025, through Jan 4, 2026. To access the Exchange District Campus during holiday hours, students, staff and faculty must buzz in at a designated entrance. To access the Notre Dame Campus, enter through the east doors of Building C.

All campuses will be closed on Dec 25, 2025, and Jan 1, 2026.

Health Centre opening at EDC

We are excited to announce that the new Health Centre space will be opening at the Exchange District Campus (EDC) in the new year. As of January 5, the Health Services team at EDC will provide students and staff with a variety of health and wellness information for general interest, ongoing health condition maintenance, plus treatment for injuries and illness.

Services include mental health support, sexual health and teaching, assistance connecting to RRC Polytech and community resources and more.

• Location: W103 – Roblin Centre, first floor of the William building
• Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.*

Walk-in, no appointment is needed! In most cases, your Manitoba Health or other provincial health card, or an equivalent health insurance card is not required. If you are referred to QDoc, a valid Manitoba, other provincial, or an equivalent health insurance card will be required.

*Please note that the EDC Health Centre hours will be adjusted in February. We anticipate that they will be expanded to 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Entry process at EDC

As shared in the Fall Safety, Health and Security Update, the entry process at EDC has been enhanced to provide an extra layer of security. Students, staff and faculty are now required to scan their RRC Polytech-issued ID card upon arrival.

Re-printing or obtaining your RRC Polytech ID

For those new to RRC Polytech and those returning to campus this Winter Term, please ensure that you have a valid RRC Polytech ID card. For more information on how to replace or obtain an ID card, visit rrc.ca/ID.

Students, staff and faculty can update their chosen name on HUB at any time. The Student Service Centre will also support students and staff at any point to have a new photo taken and ID card printed with their chosen name. A reprint fee is typically charged, but it will be waived for requests due to someone transitioning or similar changes.

Upgrades to Security kiosks

RRC Polytech is continuously improving the entry process at the Exchange District Campus, guided by feedback from students, staff, and faculty. Our priority is to maintain the safety, security, and confidentiality of everyone on campus.

In addition to installing privacy screens on the laptops at campus entry points, there are upgrades underway to Security kiosks leading up to and into the new year.

The upgraded kiosk will feature an area for scanning RRC Polytech ID cards and another that has partitions around the laptop used for student, staff and faculty verification. These enhancements are intended to improve privacy and security for all members of the campus community.

Thank you to everyone for their understanding as we adjust and enhance the entry process to best support the campus community.

Your feedback matters

RRC Polytech is committed to continually reviewing and improving safety and security measures to best support the campus community. Feedback is welcomed and can be sent to the Safety, Health and Security team at safety@rrc.ca. Input from the community is valued as we seek to make ongoing improvements to campus processes.

For immediate release:

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory – the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Grounded by the institution’s mission, vision, and values, RRC Polytech’s Sustainable and Socially Responsible Procurement Program is proving that purposeful, proactive spending and strong, inclusive supplier relationships are a pathway to positive change. In 2023, the province’s largest post-secondary for applied learning and research changed its collective approach to purchasing decisions – recognizing that with millions of dollars spent annually on goods and services, that every transaction has the potential to create cultural, social, environmental, and ethical benefits. 

“This program demonstrates the action required to live our commitments to Truth and Reconciliation; and embedding equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into everything we do. This includes how we approach the procurement and purchase of goods and services as an institution. It also honours our pledge to pursue global sustainability goals,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“Procurement at RRC Polytech has become a catalyst for social and environmental innovation in Manitoba, and an example of how organizations can contribute to an inclusive and equitable economy.” 

The Polytech’s Sustainable and Socially Responsible Procurement Program is an adaptable and flexible strategy, supported by policy, that uses a weighted system of criteria to help remove barriers for diverse suppliers, including Indigenous-owned businesses while considering the overall long-term effect and influence that working with a potential partner can have.     

Traditional factors like price, quality, service and technical specifications are still considered in purchasing decisions but all employees are now compelled to look at each transaction and partnership through a more thoughtful and responsible lens and assess the lasting impact of our choices. 

“The bottom line will always matter, but by aligning our purchasing power with our values, we’re also making continuous strategic investments in companies, partners, and people who also believe in and are working towards elevating others and respecting the planet,” said Jade Karsin, Director of Procurement and Logistics at RRC Polytech. 

“Many of our staff members already approached decision-making this way, so this program simply formalizes the process to provide clear guidance and the proper tools for everyone, creating consistency across our campuses and making us a better community partner.”     

As a result, not only have the number of bids from Indigenous-owned companies grown dramatically, expanding competition and creating more equitable access to opportunities, but the actual Indigenous supplier spend at RRC Polytech has doubled since the program’s launch. In fact, RRC Polytech has spent $6.8 million with partially Indigenous-owned suppliers, representing a 157% increase in just under two years.   

A recent success story is a partnership with Parkwest Projects Ltd., a 40 percent Indigenous-owned commercial construction firm. Parkwest has successfully completed recent multimillion-dollar construction projects at the Notre Dame Campus, including the new Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre, the Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer at the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics, as well as some ongoing classroom and hallway upgrades.

Parkwest is determined to become Manitoba and Northwest Ontario’s preferred industry partner to work with based on professional project management and expert craftsmanship – and preferred employer to work for by offering extensive training opportunities and creating a supportive culture, which includes building a diverse workforce and choosing meaningful projects, many in remote northern communities.       

“When we are leading a project, we don’t want to just provide a building. We want to provide a service to our clients, an opportunity for the local community, and a facility that will last and provide the necessary services that the community needs,” said Tyler Clegg, President, Parkwest Projects Ltd.

“RRC Polytech’s approach fosters an incredible team environment, which is one of the most important ingredients to the delivery of a successful construction project, so their graduates are great hires. We love working with partners who are as passionate about making a difference as achieving the project’s initiatives and goals.” 

Another example is RRC Polytech’s recent collaboration with Narratives Inc., a local consulting firm hired to help create RRC Polytech’s new Indigenous Visual Identity. In addition to six of 10 team members having Indigenous backgrounds, Narratives appointed two of their experienced Métis designers and facilitators as team leads. With a strong understanding of the distinctions among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, they supported the process by engaging respectfully across these diverse perspectives and helping ensure a wide range of Indigenous viewpoints were reflected in alignment with the Polytech’s commitment. 

The project not only amplified representation but also created a meaningful pathway for emerging Indigenous professionals by including an Indigenous student in RRC Polytech’s graphic design program as part of the project team. The investment in both the present and the future secured the bid for Narratives while showcasing the type of positive, community-centered impact that strategic procurement can make. 

To maximize early impact under the program, high-value procurement opportunities were initially prioritized, so now work will shift to expanding internal training and creating more tip sheets and tools to support lower dollar purchasers as well.   

To explain how businesses can maximize on opportunities with RRC Polytech, the Procurement and Logistics team developed supplier-facing communication material encouraging self-identification, and actively engages in Indigenous supplier outreach, through the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) Business Expo, Indigenous Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business. 

“We’ll continue to analyze the incoming data and seek the feedback of our partners to identify areas where we can improve our approach,” said Karsin. “But we’re proud of the initial impacts and confident that our purchasing decisions will have a ripple effect in communities across the province as we build trust and relationships with a more diverse network of suppliers, vendors, and partners.”  

Learn more rrc.ca/procurement