John Portman
August 24th marked the day that CNSC staff, board members, donors, researchers and community members had anticipated for over 6 years. Finally the hard work, sleepless nights, nerve wracking decisions were over and it was time to proudly show off the new state of the art building at the official Grand Opening Ceremony. The ceremony brought together a mix of old and new staff and researchers, board members, W. Garfield Weston Foundation members and their families, and community members.
As a past staff member, I was unsure what to expect before the opening when I drove up Launch Road to see the new building located next to the former CNSC that had been my home for many years and the source of many funny, sometimes strange, but always fond memories. During my time as a research tech, the CNSC staff and researchers had become my family and the building, my home. I wondered whether the “new” CNSC would have the same welcoming and familiar feel that the blue walls of the former CNSC would always hold for me. I did not need to be concerned. As I was greeted by my friends and taken on a tour of this grand facility to view everything from the state of the art wet and dry lab facilities to the composting toilets, I was struck by the amount of thought and detail which these dedicated folks put into every decision. They’ve created a spectacular building with unrivalled research facilities all while maintaining the CNSC’s northern roots.
The Grand Opening ceremony was held just outside the CNSC under a series of tents and was kicked off by a video message from HRH, the Prince of Wales. This was followed up by speeches from Dr. Mario Tenuta (Chair of the CNSC Board), Michael Goodyear (Executive Director), Mayor Michael Spence, Geordie Dalglish (W. Garfield Weston Foundation Chair) and the presentation of the premiere annual Weston Family Prize for Lifetime Achievement in Northern Research to the very deserving Dr. Serge Payette. Although delayed, Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger also arrived in time, thanks to the heroic stall tactics of Mike Goodyear, to give his congratulations and participate in the official ribbon cutting.
Folks were then treated to facility tours by the architectural team while volunteers buzzed about with wine and delicious appetizers whipped up by the CNSC’s brilliant kitchen staff (thanks Robert, Ros, Sarah, Joanne and Tom!!!). This was followed by a phenomenal prime rib dinner by Helen Webber, Louise Lawrie, John Romanchuck and Coral along with some mad serving skills displayed by staff, volunteers and researchers.
After dinner and a few more talks including one by Serge Payette, the crowds began to clear and the CNSC staff, volunteers and researchers took to the task of returning the CNSC from a site of a grand opening extravaganza back to the role of a research station. With some tunes playing, the group washed probably every single dish in the centre, shared many laughs and more importantly began the bank of memories for this new building which will grow and carry on for many years.
Thanks everyone... it’s been a fabulous time.
by: Jennifer McCulloch
Premier Greg Selinger
Dr. Serge Payette
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