Finalists in the Not-for-Profit Category include three household names familiar to all Winnipeggers: The Forks North Portage, Red River College and Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg. The dedication of each of these organizations to their causes and to our community is evident in their approach to innovation and entrepreneurship. Judges selected Red River College as the recipient of the 2010 Spirit of Winnipeg award.

Red River College's PHEV project team (left to right): instructors Elaine Lagasse, Glen Schapf, Stefan Engelhard, Ken Friesen; Ken Webb, vice-president of academic and research; Mike Myrowich, instructor; Rob Spewak, research manager; Ray Hoemsen, director of applied research and commercialization.

According to a recent study, Red River College generates an estimated $1 billion in economic activity annually, which is no small feat for a not-for-profit organization. The College is Manitoba’s second largest post-secondary institution, serving over 32,000 enrollments annually and delivering more than 300 programs at three campuses in Winnipeg and five across rural Manitoba.

Winner of the Spirit of Winnipeg Award in the Not-for-Profit Category, Red River College is busy building a national reputation for its applied research program. Ray Hoemsen, Director of the Applied Research & Commercialization Office at the College says, “by having students work with industry partners to develop real-world solutions to industry problems, they gain valuable applied research skills and professional connections to help them succeed in the workplace.”

He cites the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle project is one example of applied research that has caught the eye of Premier Greg Selinger, as well as garnered interest from Canadian and US post secondary institutions. Hoemsen explains, “Plug-in vehicles offer reduced operating costs and can play a role in reducing emissions because they don’t burn as much fossil fuel. But their performance is relatively unknown in cold winter climates.”

Hoemsen adds, “Last summer, five faculty members at RRC became certified installers and converted nine Toyota Prius hybrids to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to test their viability in colder climates.” The jury is still out on the verdict, but the results may have a significant impact on sustainable technologies in the transportation sector.

The college has modern labs, state of the art equipment and technical expertise, making it a one-stop shop for industry to present a problem and receive a practical and sustainable solution. For example, in 2005 the EPA in the U.S. introduced revised emission standards for diesel engines, which posed a challenge for heavy-duty engine manufacturers such as Motor Coach Industries (MCI). They approached RRC to develop a solution. Hoemsen says, “working out of the College’s heavy equipment transportation center, RRCs team of instructors and students successfully developed a design that exceeded EPA standards.” The results from the prototype are now integrated in products which represent 15% to 20% of MCI’s sales – more than $50 million in revenue. MCI and RRC are continuing their successful partnership by integrating engine prototypes into other coach models.

And the latest feather in RRC’s cap: in late 2009, a new research grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) was announced that will position Red River College as a destination for international research talent and give local businesses access to the knowledge and resources they need to innovate. Red River College was one of nine colleges selected in the most recent competition across Canada, following a peer review competition, and will receive $2.3 million over five years. Hoemsen says, “the campus project will focus on establishing a research group that will work with industry to improve the energy efficiency and performance of building and construction technologies.”
It’s an ambitious applied research agenda and when it’s combined with an institution-wide commitment to sustainable practices, Red River College demonstrates the Spirit of Winnipeg.

Runners-up
The Forks North Portage
The Forks welcomes over 4 million visitors annually and has put Winnipeg on the map. Urban planners visiting our city are unanimously impressed with the character of the site and many view it as a model for innovation and design excellence. But it’s the organization behind it all ¬– The Forks North Portage – that embodies the spirit of Winnipeg. The not-for-profit organization is a community development corporation that acts as a catalyst, encouraging downtown development through public and private partnerships and revitalization strategies. In addition to the Forks, the organization has been directly or indirectly involved in recreational, residential, commercial and cultural projects that have changed the shape of our downtown over the past 20 years. Award winning heritage restoration, open greenspaces, a riverwalk, seniors living projects, and community programs throughout the year are just some of the hallmarks that bring Winnipeggers together.

Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg
By mobilizing volunteers and community partners, Habitat for Humanity has built 179 homes for low-income working families since it began operating in Winnipeg in 1987. The organization sells the homes at full market value to qualified families who have completed 500 hours of sweat equity. The sale is on very favourable terms – no down payment, zero interest on the mortgage and monthly payments geared to family income rather than value of the property. Each year, Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg determines how many families it can help based on the financial support received from the community. On top of its self-sustaining building and lending formula, the organization’s fundraising and ReStore retail project have both contributed to its self sufficiency. When families have access to affordable housing, they plant roots and become proud, connected members of the Winnipeg community.