As the new school year starts many are coming to RRC Polytech for the first time, and many are returning after a long time away. So, to help your transition, here’s a roundup of what you need to know about being sustainable on campus.
Greening Your Campus Commute
If you are coming to campus, there are many options for traveling sustainably and the College is working actively to support you in choosing those options. Below are some tips to help you plan your transit or bike trip to campus.
Taking Transit to Campus
Check the real-time status of your bus at one of four Transit Screens.
Many Transit routes conveniently service our Winnipeg Campuses. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:
Transit has a handy trip planning tool called Navigo. Simply enter your information and it will provide multiple options. Tip: If you don’t know the address of your campus, type in “Red River College” and a list of campuses will pop up for you to select from.
You can use one of many park-and-ride locations across the City if Transit isn’t an option for your complete commute.
If you have accessibility barriers to using the City’s fixed route transit system, Winnipeg Transit Plus offers door-to-door transportation.
On campus and wondering when your next bus will arrive? Look for one of our Real-Time Transit Screens – stay warm and dry inside while you check the real-time status of your next bus.
Did you know that most RRC Polytech Students and Staff are eligible for reduced rates on some Winnipeg Transit passes?
Please make sure to review Winnipeg Transit’s COVID-19 protocols before planning your trip
Cycling to Campus
Considering riding your bike to campus? Here are some tools to support you:
Trip Planning:
Google Maps allows you to plan your trip by bike and also has a “Biking” layer to check which routes are most bike friendly.
The City of Winnipeg Bike Map outlines cycling routes and the Pedestrian and Cycling Proposed Network to help you plan your trip. Pick up a copy at Security at both the Notre Dame Campus and the Exchange District Campus.
Still not sure about riding your bike to campus? Contact us! We’ll be happy to help you plan your route and we can even help set you up with a bike buddy!
Bike Maintenance and Security:
If you need to perform some minor maintenance on your bike before heading home, we have repair stations available at both the Notre Dame Campus (NDC) and the Roblin Centre. These stations have a stand to hold your bike and some commonly used tools.
If you’re using a conveniently located bike rack at one of our campuses, be sure to use a U-Lock and follow these tips to dramatically increase the security of your bike. Looking for added security for your bike? See the options below at both NDC and EDC.
Rent a bike locker at NDC for free at the Campus Store.
The Notre Dame Campus has 30 bike lockers to offer extra security and protection from the elements for your bike, bag and helmet. These lockers are free to use (subject to availability) although there is a refundable key deposit. To sign up for a bike locker, visit the NDC Campus Store.
The Exchange District Campus has 51 indoor bike parking stalls in two card-swipe secured bike rooms – 35 in the basement of Paterson GlobalFoods Institute (PGI) and 16 on the main floor of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae. Staff and students can get access for free (but you need to provide your own lock). You will need your Staff/Student ID Card to access the room.
Please note: the bike room at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae is currently full, but there are some spots available at PGI.
Working Towards a Zero Waste Campus
We’ve got a variety of programs to divert materials from the landfill and give them another useful life. But, we can’t do it without you! Here are some ways you can help us in our work towards becoming a Zero Waste Campus:
Waste, Recycling and Compost
Our “Pitch In” signs help you find out which bin your waste goes in.
Garbage and Recycling bins are conveniently located in central locations around campus. Our program consists of three bins: two for recycling (paper and containers) and one for garbage. Large “Pitch In” signs above many of these trios will help you figure out where to put something if you’re not sure.
At NDC, pre-consumer organic waste is collected from kitchens and taken to our on-site compost pile which is managed by our Grounds crew. At PGI, both pre-consumer organic waste collected from kitchens and culinary labs and post-consumer organic waste (your unfinished lunch for example) collected in the Annex are transported to a commercial composting facility.
Other Recycling Programs
Give used markers and pens, batteries and plastic bags new life by placing them in one of our ReBins.
ReBins are located at NDC (by the Campus Store and in the Library) and the EDC (in the Roblin Centre Atrium outside the Campus Store). These bins collect markers, pens, and pencils for recycling; plastic bags for reuse; and batteries for recycling.
All faculty, staff and students can also recycle their disposable masks – including 3-ply surgical, dust masks, and KN95/N95 masks – by placing them in any of the mask recycling boxes listed below:
EDC Mask Recycling Locations
Roblin Centre, north entrance
Paterson GlobalFoods Institute (PGI), third floor by the lockers
Don’t forget your reusable mug when you go to fill up on coffee or tea – prevent a disposable coffee cup going to the landfill and save yourself 10 cents!
Water
Fill up your reusable water bottle at one of our many bottle fill stations
There are more than 50 water bottle filling stations located in convenient locations around most of our campuses. Save money and the environment this year by filling your reusable water bottle with cold, filtered water at one of these stations.
Connect With Us
Our Sustainability Team holds many events throughout the year. To keep up to date with our latest news, get involved with us, or learn more about how to make your campus life more sustainable: find us on Facebook, Instagram and subscribe to our blog.
