Located in downtown Winnipeg, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is an innovative structure of steel and glass, and a striking symbol for the quest to achieve equal rights for all global citizens. Black & McDonald’s facilities management team has been instrumental to operations since the award-winning museum opened for business over a decade ago.
“I find it a privilege to work at a facility that stands for human rights, especially being a Red River Metis,” said Claude Plante, Contract Manager. “The building has many unique and exciting features, including the smoke evacuation system, our heating controls systems, and a unique grey water collection system. We also monitor our energy consumption and usage and are always looking for ways to improve. It’s been very fulfilling working here, problem-solving and finding solutions to complex issues.”
A great partnership
Over the course of the past decade, Black & McDonald has developed a great partnership with CMHR. Adam Rogalsky, Division Manager, Facility Management and Operations, Manitoba, says the relationship was built on transparency, confidence, and trust in the team’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to unforeseen issues.
“The contract is primarily in-house, labour-based, with a combination of hard and soft services,” he explained. “A portion of CMHR’s contracted services are also managed by Black & McDonald, and we play a supporting role with their capital projects and major improvements for the facility, as well as overseeing general site co- ordination and safety.”
An extraordinary building
From its award-winning design featuring curved lines and bold geometry, to its state-of-the-art systems and mechanical components, nothing about the CMHR building is ordinary—and that can be said about broader operations, too.
The Museum is dedicated to human rights, which includes environmental responsibility. It calls attention to people’s rights to breathe clean air, access clean and safe drinking water, move freely and safely, and be part of something that’s overtly dedicated to the greater good.
For B&M, maintaining that responsibility means always looking for ways to improve efficiencies and cut costs so that any savings incurred at the operations level may be redirected toward areas that will deliver more important outcomes.
“Our great partnership has been built on understanding CMHR’s core business as well as bringing in numerous cost- reductions over time,” Rogalsky said. “I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds and am excited to have been a part of this great project!”
B&M offers a full line of facilities management services at CMHR, including:
- BAS systems
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Grass cutting and lawn care
- Tree and root preservation
For more information on Black & McDonald’s facility services, please visit www.blackandmcdonald.com
