2009 Annual Magazine - Manitoba Heavy Construction Association

son-years employment directed to Manitoba alone. The constructionwill also generate $19 million in federal tax collectionsand several million in provincial tax collections. Annually, throughongoing operations, the museum will generate over $33 millionin direct Manitoba expenditures and over $8 million in tax collectionsfor all levels of government. Through ongoing operations,that will attract more than 250,000 visitations, it will also createnearly 500 jobs annually – with many being creative andhigh-tech.The impact will not be confined to the construction and operationsof the Museum itself. This international destination willusher in a whole new era of economic possibility and prosperitythrough the creation of spin-off businesses, new constructionprojects, tourism and cultural offerings. Already, Winnipeg haswelcomed a new hotel – The Sandman – whose decision tolocate here was sparked, in part by the Museum. Two otherhotel developments recently cited the Museum as a catalyst fortheir activities. People across Manitoba are beginning to seeopportunities that will stem from real estate appreciation, serviceand hospitality industries, human resource training potential andmeeting and convention potential.Forever Changing the way we “Think Big”The Canadian Museum for Human Rights will forever change the economy of Manitoba and the western provinces. It willalso forever change the way in which we allow ourselves, as Canadians, to “think big”.Recently, the Conference Board of Canada said Canada is “sinking in a pool of mediocrity that threatens to pull down ourstandard of living.”Generally, the report stated that Canadians are “complacent and unwilling to take risks.” Israel Asper recognized thisaffliction and said, “Canadians have a tendency to aim for the middle – for mediocrity. With this museum we are reachingfor the stars.” He believed in thinking “big” and ingrained that thinking in his family, partners and employees. The Museum’sstunning architecture, selected from among 62 designs submitted from world-class firms in an international architecturalcompetition, is the design of award-winning architect Antoine Predock. Internationally respected museum consultants LordCultural Resources lent their expertise to the development of the business and operations plan for the Museum and myfather contracted Ralph Appelbaum Associates – unparalleled museum exhibit designers – sought after around the worldfor their innovative and inspirational story telling ability – to develop a vision for the master exhibit plan. (All decisionsregarding construction and Museum design will remain the purview of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.) The “reach for thestars” maxim truly pertains to every aspect of this outstanding Museum.The Canadian Museum for Human Rights will forever change how we, as westerners, approach opportunities with a “reachfor the stars” attitude. This $265 million construction project has the commitment of $100 million from the Government ofCanada (plus $22 million annually in ongoing operations); $40 million from the Province of Manitoba; $20 million from theCity of Winnipeg and $105 million from the private sector. At the time of the writing of this article, the private campaign hasachieved $94.5 million from 3000 donors across Canada. This Museum, through its social and economic benefits, as wellas its national pride and “reachfor the stars” attitude will benefityou, your family and your community.Find out more about itby checking out our internationalaward-winning video called“Forever Changed” on our website—Serving the Construction Industry for over 20 Years!www.foreverchanged.caHelp make this Museum happenand be forever changed.Kim Jasper is Director ofCommunications for the CanadianMuseum for Human Rights.• Excavation• Site Development• Bioremediation• Full Service Civil & Foundations for Wind Farmswww.kenpalsonenterprises.comPhone: (204) 663-9008Fax: (204) 663-80612315 Dugald RoadWinnipeg, Manitoba R2C 5L4info@kenpalsonenterprises.comOur Motto is Safety First!MHCA 2009 Annual Magazine 41