June 24, 2019
Attendees of Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Forums in Atlantic Canada have given an enthusiastic thumbs-up to the idea of forming RAIC chapters in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
“I’m delighted that the RAIC is looking to develop local chapters across Atlantic Canada, and what this could mean for the profession in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said John Hancock, Int’l. Assoc. RAIC. “As a UK-trained architect, I’ve seen the support and networking benefits that a nationwide organization can provide, as well as the sense of community it fosters.”
More than 60 RAIC members and stakeholders, including interns and representatives of regulatory bodies, attended the forums held between June 14 and June 19 in St. John’s, NL, Moncton, NB, Halifax, NS, and Charlottetown, PE.
“As members of the RAIC we make a promise that, in the work we do, the actions we take, and the stories we tell, we will uphold our commitment to promote excellence in the built environment and to advocate for responsible architecture,” said RAIC President Michael Cox, FRAIC. “These visits in Atlantic Canada made it clear to me that the enthusiasm to deliver on this promise is strong, and the opportunities to tell our stories are without limit.”
Cox was joined by RAIC Chief Executive Officer Mike Brennan, Vice President of National Affairs, Giovanna Boniface, and Atlantic Regional Director Gregory MacNeil, MRAIC in leading a discussion of chapters and delivering an update on RAIC activities and services. Topics covered included continuing education, the RAIC Professional Liability Insurance Program, and benefits like discounts on GoodLife Fitness memberships.
The chapters initiative aims to strengthen advocacy at the provincial and regional levels, increase engagement between the RAIC and the architecture community, and boost visibility for the profession across Canada. New chapters launched earlier this year in British Columbia and Alberta as grass-roots organizations led by RAIC volunteers.
“We are excited the prospect of the RAIC expanding its presence in Nova Scotia,” said Ron LeLievre, FRAIC, of New Glasgow, NS. “Our introductory meeting on June 18 afforded an opportunity to initiate a dialogue beginning at the grassroots level. The RAIC's response to the brainstorming sessions was very encouraging, particularly with their commitment to support local initiatives with subject area expertise and resources. We cannot wait to get started.”
The RAIC will begin organizing Atlantic Canada chapter meetings starting in September. Please stay tuned to upcoming RAIC Bulletins for dates.
“The RAIC as a champion of the built environment has a unique opportunity to inform local issues based on advocacy, research, and national policy,” added Hancock, of St. John’s, NL. “I believe this input is essential to further the discussion about the importance of design excellence in architecture, and the lasting value this adds in creating places for people.”
Members interested in joining the volunteer leadership team may contact Giovanna Boniface at gboniface@raic.org with an expression of interest by July 30.