WINNIPEG, MB – On Saturday, July 3, 2010 Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport welcomed its first passengers; Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Royal Couple deplaned at Bridge 7 and arrived at the new terminal currently under construction and set to officially open in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Special guests welcoming Her Majesty and His Royal Highness at the gate were the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, the Honourable Philip S. Lee and his wife, Her Honour Mrs. Anita Lee; the Premier of Manitoba, The Honourable Greg Selinger and Claudette Toupin; the Minister of State for Democratic Reform, the Honourable Steven Fletcher; MLA for St. James, Ms. Bonnie Korzeniowski; the Mayor of Winnipeg, His Worship Sam Katz; the Manitoba Royal Tour Coordinator, Mr. Dwight MacAulay; Chair of the Board of Directors of Winnipeg Airports Authority, Mr. Arthur Mauro and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Winnipeg Airports Authority, Mr. Barry Rempel
“The theme of the Queen’s Tour was to celebrate past services of Canadians and to reflect on a future which is full of promise. Our continuing commitment to service honours the very meaning of being Canadian.” said Arthur Mauro, Chair of the Board of Directors of Winnipeg Airports Authority.
“Ma’am, Sir – we are delighted that you have chosen our home as one of the stops on your Canadian Tour. It is truly an honour to have you with us and to welcome you, as the very first passengers to arrive at our new terminal,” said Barry Rempel, President & CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “The building is very open and connected to its environment, purposely so as a reflection of our own connectivity to others and the land.”
During the ceremony, Her Majesty signed a letter to the youth of Manitoba to be read in 2060. This letter was placed in a time capsule specially designed by Stantec Architecture and is on display in the new terminal for all to admire. Included in the time capsule is a gift from the Queen.
In recognition of the 2010 Royal Tour, Winnipeg Airports Authority renamed Town Hall to “Queen’s Court” and initiated The Queen Elizabeth II Aviation Scholarship. This annual scholarship is provided to one of the airport’s Silverwing Youth Volunteers who demonstrates, leadership, commitment to service, an above average GPA and is pursuing a post secondary education in the fields of Aviation, Aerospace, or Tourism.
As a memento of their airport arrival, The Queen and Duke were presented with specially designed silver medallions by Chair, Arthur Mauro.
