UWinnipeg opens doors to science complex

The latest addition to the University of Winnipeg's sprawling downtown campus is now open.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for theRichardson College for the Environment and Science Complex was held Monday morning, launching the official opening of the structure at 599 Portage Ave. between Langside and Furby Streets.

The main feature of the $67-million building,one of the most energy efficient labs in North America, is a four-storey atrium that incorporates nine living trees and a 3,000-square-foot wall of reclaimed hard maple from the Winnipeg Roller Rink that previously stood on the site.

The complexhouses the universitys departments of biology, chemistry and environmental studies and consists of more than 30 research and teaching labs, including a vivarium an area for keeping and raising animals or plants for research and a 1,127 square foot rooftop greenhouse.

Approximately 2,000 students daily will use the building, whichalso houses a digital media lab that will be open to high school students, those living in the inner city and aboriginal youth.

U of W president Lloyd Axworthy saidthe lab, set to open in January,will encourage youth to finish high school and pursue further education.

The building is the newest addition to an expansion of the U of W's downtown footprint. In recent years, the university has constructed and opened the Buhler Centre at Portage Avenue and Memorial Boulevard, the Canwest Centre for Theatre and Film, and McFeetors Hall student's residence.

Construction crews are also transforming a 38,000-square-feet space at491 Portage Avenue the former Greyhound Bus terminal into theANX. It will contain a retail and bookstore space, student pub, food and beverage service, medical and personal services,computer store, classrooms, computer labs and offices.

The former Greyhound loading dock hasalready become a hub terminal forWinnipeg Transit.