Annual Report 2014 - Assiniboine Park Conservancy
Transcription
Annual Report 2014 - Assiniboine Park Conservancy
Annual Report 2014 2 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report 1 1Welcome 2 Message from the Chair of the Board 3 Message from the President and CEO 4 Capital Development 5 New Entities 9 Refurbishment 11 Level of Care 14Imagine a Place Campaign 16 Programs & Services 17 Connecting with the Community 20 Conservation & Research 22 Staff & Volunteer Resources WELCOME! 24 Financial Statements Hartley Richardson, Chair, APC Board of Directors and Margaret Redmond, APC President and CEO. 2 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report Message from the Chair of the Board Message from the President and CEO When the Assiniboine Park Conservancy launched the Imagine a Place Campaign and set out to raise $200 million to fund the redevelopment of the Park and Zoo, we had lofty goals and a bold vision. After all, we are responsible for breathing new life into one of Winnipeg’s most cherished and valuable community assets. For the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, 2014 was a remarkable year; a year marked by a string of amazing achievements, incredible progress, and defining moments in the history of the Park and Zoo. In the first phase of the campaign, we revitalized the Heart of the Park. In the second phase, we are continuing to work which will modernize and give new purpose to the Assiniboine Park Zoo. The opening of the Journey to Churchill exhibit on July 3, 2014, was an integral milestone in the redevelopment and a magical day that I will never forget. Coming out of one of the coldest winters on record in Manitoba, the arrival of spring brought welcome relief and a visit by Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. The highlight of the visit was the opportunity to give Prince Charles a preview of the Journey to Churchill exhibit that would open just a few weeks later. Just a few hours before the official opening of the exhibit, I was standing in the Gateway to the Arctic building as a group of local media came through on a tour. As they stood in the underwater viewing tunnels known as the Sea Ice Passage, a small polar bear face and paws suddenly broke through the surface of the water. Everyone froze and waited breathlessly, whispering words of encouragement. And then it happened. Kaska dove in and the crowd erupted with cheers, cameras documenting this incredible moment for the world to see. A second bear followed moments later and we all marvelled at the sight of these beautiful bears swimming gracefully around us. This was the moment we had been waiting for and the experience we had been talking about for so long. We have reached the midway point in our redevelopment plan, and there is more to come. With projects like Journey to Churchill we have set the bar high and intend to keep it there as we turn our attention to new developments. The most significant of these is a new plant-based cultural attraction in the southeast corner of the Park. Like Journey to Churchill, this new facility will be world-class. It will house stunning displays of exotic plants from around the globe and explore the connections between plants, people, and cultures. Over 4.5 million people visit Assiniboine Park each year. It is common ground for people from all walks of life and integral to the quality of life we enjoy in Winnipeg. With the support of our government partners, foundations, and private donors, we have made great progress. Thank you for your support – we would not be where we are today without you. Hartley T. Richardson Chair, APC Board of Directors & Imagine a Place Campaign The Royal Tour was followed by a whirlwind of activity and preparation for the summer ahead. When we closed the Zoo for 10 days to put the finishing touches on Journey to Churchill, it was all hands on deck. Staff and volunteers rallied and pulled out all the stops to get the job done. On July 3, we re-opened the Zoo and invited the world to discover the magic of the north in the heart of the continent. This momentous day kicked off another incredible summer at the Park. The Red River Co-op Summer Entertainment Series returned with a stellar line-up of free music, art, and movies in the Park. We hosted an event for more than 200 tour operators and travel writers from around the world and gave 400 children and families facing health and/or socio-economic challenges a once-in-a-lifetime Zoo experience at the inaugural Wildest Dreams event. As summer came to a close, we held the first ever Sound & Sky Benefit Concert for the Park featuring Blue Rodeo and Spirit of the West. The remainder of the year was highlighted by the arrival of Blizzard and Star, two orphaned polar bear cubs from northern Manitoba, the announcement of another new exhibit at the Zoo – the McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre – which will open in the summer of 2015, and the Home for the Holidays Show at the Conservatory. The efforts of so many are reflected in these moments. We achieved these milestones as a team and each department carried their share of the load at different times. The entire Assiniboine Park Conservancy family – Board members, staff, volunteers, and donors – should feel profound pride in what we have given this community and each and every visitor to Assiniboine Park and Zoo. What we have achieved together as an organization and as a community is extraordinary. And for that, you have my heartfelt thanks. Margaret Redmond President and CEO, Assiniboine Park Conservancy 3 4 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report New Entities CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT Since the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC) opened, four orphaned cubs and one juvenile polar bear have been successfully transitioned from life in the wild to life in a zoological environment. Three of these bears are now living in Journey to Churchill as ambassadors Journey to Churchill for their species. On July 3, 2014, the highlyThe other two will anticipated Journey to Churchill remain at the IPBCC exhibit opened at Assiniboine until they are big Park Zoo following opening ceremonies attended by enough to be safely representatives of all three levels integrated with the of government, community larger bears. leaders, donors, media, and invited guests. Journey to Churchill features expansive new polar bear, Arctic fox, wolf, muskox, caribou, snowy owl and seal habitats. Interactive interpretive components include a short film experience inside what is presently Manitoba’s largest 360-degree theatre, incredible underwater viewing tunnels, and more. The exhibit is also home to the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC), a state-of-the-art facility that allows the Assiniboine Park Zoo to more actively contribute to environmental and wildlife education, research, and conservation. The IPBCC, which opened in January 2012, also houses Canada’s only transition centre for orphaned and at-risk polar bears made possible through a unique partnership with Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship. The Journey to Churchill exhibit has breathed new life into a Zoo that was in desperate need of repair. It has transformed it into a world-class destination that now attracts tourists, travel writers, and visitors from around the globe. Journey to Churchill represents an entirely new experience that is uniquely Manitoban and reflects incredibly well on our city and province. The opening of the Journey to Churchill exhibit is a significant milestone in achieving the Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s vision for the Zoo. It will move away from a largely un-themed animal collection to integrated experiences organized into biogeographic zones with the main focus on native species and the recreation and celebration of Manitoba wildlife, geography, and culture. Journey to Churchill was made possible with $34 million in support from the Province of Manitoba, $28.1 million from the City of Winnipeg, and private sector support from individuals, families, foundations, and corporate donors. 5 6 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report New Zoo Entrance The Zoo’s new entrance, which also opened on July 3, 2014, was designed to accommodate a higher volume of Zoo visitors, enhance visitor services and create a first impression that sets the tone for an entirely new Zoo experience. The new building and amenities represent a dramatic and essential improvement over previous admission facilities. The 11,410-square-foot, multipurpose facility is located just east of the old Zoo entrance on Roblin Boulevard. It features a welcoming plaza, a dedicated visitor services centre, and accessible washrooms. A new gift shop, appropriately named Wild Things Unique Gifts is accessible to shoppers with or without Zoo admission. To better serve visitors, the new entrance houses a broad ticket counter, four self-serve ticket kiosks to help ease line-ups, and a separate membership services area. The Assiniboine Park Conservancy also launched a new online web store where visitors can purchase tickets in advance. Horticultural elements surrounding the new facility are inspired by the natural prairie and wetland areas and forests of Manitoba. The new entrance also features energy efficient LED light fixtures and has been designed to take advantage of natural light through expansive windows. ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report The new Zoo entrance was the recipient of a 2014 City of Winnipeg Access Award. Universal accessibility was one of the key design objectives for the new entrance. Accessibility features include: • Gently sloped landscaping and accessible parking with a dedicated drop-off/ pick-up zone. • Automatic doors for all public spaces. • Millwork for ticket booth, guest services and retail area accommodates wheelchair visitors and people of all heights. • Accessible washrooms for visitors and staff. • Use of textures and materials selection that allows for intuitive way-finding. Geothermal Energy System The Zoo’s new Journey to Churchill exhibit features a number of sustainable design and operational features that are invisible to Zoo visitors including a new geothermal energy system that meets 100% of the heating and cooling needs of the exhibit. The geothermal energy is conducted by a closed loop system of plastic pipes under the Zoo’s parking lot that circulates a methanol mixture. This transfers heat from the earth into buildings in winter and during the summer, moves heat from the buildings back into the earth. The new district geothermal energy system provides a clean and renewable energy source for four detached buildings in Journey to Churchill: • Gateway to Arctic building • Tundra Grill • water treatment complex • the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre. The Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) selected geothermal energy over fossil-fuel options as part of our commitment to addressing climate change and being a model for modern conservation practices. APC will also benefit from a significant reduction in long-term energy costs for the exhibit. The Assiniboine Park Zoo’s Geothermal Energy System was funded in part by a $105,160 grant from the Manitoba Geothermal Energy Incentive Program. New Tiger Enclosure In February, the Zoo completed construction of a spacious new habitat that offers an abundance of natural shade and room to roam for the Zoo’s Amur tigers. At over 26,000 square feet, the enclosure is nearly nine times larger than the old tiger habitat. The new enclosure also features an area for Positive Reinforcement Training sessions, allowing visitors to learn about Amur tigers and experience how the husbandry of these animals is managed. In August, a clay-lined pool was added to the exhibit. New Animals Amur Tigers In January, the Zoo welcomed two male Amur tiger cubs, brothers Samkha and Vasili, from the Calgary Zoo. The cubs were moved to Winnipeg on a recommendation from the Species Survival Plan (SSP) based on their potential for future breeding. The Assiniboine Park Zoo is a founding member of the Amur tiger Species Survival Program, which collates the collection of tigers in North America and matches pairs to ensure the most diverse genetics possible. Harbour Seals The opening of Journey to Churchill marked the addition of harbour seals to the Zoo’s animal collection. Seals and other marine animals are an important part of the northern ecosystem represented in Journey to Churchill. While ringed seals are the primary food source for polar bears in the wild, Hudson Bay is home to a number of seal species, including harbour seals. As the seal pool has room for up to eight animals, the Zoo is actively pursuing opportunities to acquire more seals. 7 8 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report Refurbishment 2014 was a year where extensive refurbishments were made all across Assiniboine Park and Zoo resulting from the funding provided by the City of Winnipeg. Wolves Wolves weren’t part of the original vision for Journey to Churchill, but the late additions have been a huge hit with Zoo visitors. The enclosure where the Zoo’s five wolves currently reside was initially intended for polar bears. However, with two other dedicated polar bear enclosures, the Zoo had room for another northern animal species and wolves were a natural fit. The Zoo’s timber (grey) wolf pack includes one female and four males. Though originally intended to be a short-term addition, we are extending their stay and visitors will be able to see the wolves in Journey to Churchill for at least another year and maybe longer. Without her protection and the necessary survival skills, the cubs had no chance of survival and Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship determined the most appropriate course of action was to relocate the bears to the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC). The cubs’ names – Blizzard and Star – were selected through an online Facebook poll. The siblings will eventually move into the Journey to Churchill exhibit where they will be gradually integrated with the Zoo’s other polar bears: Hudson, Storm, Kaska and Aurora. Polar Bears In September, two polar bear cubs were spotted by helicopter near a well-known denning area along the Hudson Bay coastline. Despite an extensive search, efforts to find the cubs’ mother were unsuccessful. Red Pandas In 2014, the Zoo continued to be an active participant in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for red pandas, a species identified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) mainly due to habitat loss in Southeast Asia. The Zoo’s breeding female gave birth to two male cubs in June. In addition, three adult red pandas were transferred to the Zoo; a male and female pair from the Zoo de Granby in Quebec, and a male from a zoological facility in Japan. Cougar In early December, the Assiniboine Park Zoo accepted a young female cougar cub from the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society after she was found orphaned and struggling to survive on her own in the wild. Since the Zoo is already home to two adult cougars, a temporary exhibit space has been created for the new cub at the north end of the Zoo while we look for a home for her at another zoo where she will hopefully be able to participate in the Species Survival Program. AZA Accreditation In September, following a rigorous inspection and review process, the Assiniboine Park Zoo was granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Only four other Zoos in Canada currently hold AZA accreditation, along with some of the most recognized and respected zoological organizations in the world. Accreditation sends a message to our visitors and the international zoo community that we are fully committed to upholding the highest standards for animal care, conservation, and education now and in the future. It will open doors to new partnerships and initiatives that allow us to make a real difference in the conservation of at-risk animal species. In order to meet Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) exacting standards for animal facilities during this year’s certification process extensive refurbishment was undertaken all across the Zoo. Zoo Hospital and Animal Care Facility The Zoo Hospital and Animal Care Facility received an $800,000 investment in renovations in 2014. This investment in the aging veterinarian facility includes upgrades to the building’s exterior envelope in particular the roof and exterior siding where additional insulation was added to improve overall efficiency. The interior of the building dedicated to animal care was completely refreshed with new lighting and HVAC equipment as well as an overhaul to the surgical suite and the creation of a room dedicated to diagnostics. Native Bird Building At the Native Bird building new exterior cladding was added and the entire exterior exhibit was re-landscaped and new mesh was installed throughout. This was accompanied by new interpretive signage and upgrades to the building’s electrical room which have made for a welcoming space for the great grey owls and the burrowing owls that call this exhibit home. Kinsmen Discovery Centre In the Kinsmen Discovery Centre, the birds in flight room was completely refreshed and landscaped offering a bright new airy space for visitors to get an unobstructed view. Additionally much of the building was painted and new interpretive signage installed to offer greater learning opportunities for visitors when viewing the many wonderful animals such as the meerkat and sloth. Toucan Ridge Building on the major renovations that were completed in 2011, in 2014 additional work was undertaken around the perimeter of the building’s to install new gutters and downspouts to ensure water is directed away from the buildings foundation and out of the exterior exhibits. 9 10 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report Level of Care Forest Management Nature Playground Picnic Shelter East Gate Building Formerly the main Zoo entrance and gift shop, the east gate building was renovated in 2013 to accommodate a temporary penguin exhibit and updated and refreshed again in 2014 to house the Assinboine Park Conservancy’s Education Programming and Volunteer Resources Departments. The building received a new roof and new LED lighting throughout. The Nature Playground picnic shelter has become a favourite spot for many families to enjoy an afternoon meal. In 2014, the shelter was repainted along with many of the picnic tables found throughout the Park and Zoo. Some of the work in this refurbishment exercise was accomplished by the many dedicated APC volunteers who so generously offer their time. Zoo Commissary The Zoo Commissary is the main food distribution and handling facility for all animal feed and it too was in need of upgrades in 2014. Consequently the large walk-in cooler and freezer were rebuilt, the entire building was painted, and lighting upgraded allowing the building to continue to be maintained as a sanitary animal food handling facility. A Forest Management Plan for Assiniboine Park was developed in 2011 to maintain the overall health of Assiniboine Park’s forests and provide a diverse habitat for animal species throughout the seasons. The plan includes ongoing monitoring of overall forest health, the removal of invasive species as needed, and strategic new plantings throughout the nearly 300 acre park. The following steps were taken in 2014 to ensure that future generations can experience all of the benefits of the forest within the Park enjoyed by today’s visitors. • More than 3,000 trees, largely spruce and a number of species to represent the northern Manitoba landscape, were planted in the Journey to Churchill exhibit in Assiniboine Park Zoo. • New plantings in the Park were diversified with multiple tree species and cultivars, ensuring a more healthy and sustainable mixture of trees into the future. • Invasive plant removal continued throughout the Park, with the removal of non-native species such as Eurasian Buckthorn in the understory to allow the surrounding native trees to thrive and grow to their full potential. • The Riparian Forest Restoration project continued with the revegetation of plant materials, giving the natural process of regeneration a helping hand and reducing the time required for the return to a mature and healthy ecosystem. • Shade trees of various species were strategically planted within the Zoo to provide shade and desirable microclimates within animal exhibits and in public areas. • The Terry Fox trail was planted with over 100 native and ornamental trees. In the coming year native herbaceous material will be added to the area. • Thanks to a grant from Manitoba Hydro for forest restoration, 172 trees and understory plants were planted around the steam train. This project will continue in 2015 with a total of 400 trees chosen for their ability to be a habitat or a food source for birds and butterflies, increasing the biodiversity of this forest. 11 12 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report Landscape Upgrades Throughout the spring and summer of 2014, the horticulture and grounds teams worked together to upgrade a number of gardens throughout the Park and Zoo, giving them a fresh look for the year. The Portage Avenue interface was renovated by upgrading the shrub and perennial beds. This provided for a much more attractive ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report Zoo, the stonework in the shrub and flower beds at the entrance to Toucan Ridge was realigned and the beds were then filled with new plantings. Pathway Improvements Over the years, many of the pathways within the Assiniboine Park Zoo had become deteriorated and improvements were required to fix some of the crumbling areas. Areas that were repaved in 2014 include inside the main entrance to the Zoo, and the pathways surrounding Toucan Ridge, the North American animals section, and near the snow leopard enclosure. A new pathway was added that links the former East Gate parking lot to the Zoo parking lot making that area of the Park more accessible to visitors travelling by foot or by bike. Additional pathway work will continue throughout 2015. Horticultural Highlights entrance to the Park for visitors arriving from Portage Avenue. In addition, upgrades were made to all of the shrub beds in the Formal Gardens by cleaning up the shrub materials and proving fresh mulch into all the beds, allowing for a much cleaner look. Within the Assiniboine Park The Assiniboine Park Conservancy joined the Canadian Garden Council (CGC) in 2014. This relatively young organization is responsible for promoting public gardens and garden-related activities across Canada. The CGC is comprised of member gardens from across the country and positions Assiniboine Park as one of Canada’s leading public gardens. Canada’s Garden Day, an initiative organized by the Canadian Garden Council, was celebrated on June 13, 2014 in public gardens throughout the country with a variety of activities for garden enthusiasts, families, schools and tourists. APC celebrated the day by partnering with the Canadian Peony Society and hosting the National Peony Show at the Conservatory. This national event attracted competitors from across the country vying for the best in show prize. For the first time, APC partnered with the Winnipeg Bulb Project. When the tulips finished blooming in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, APC staff and volunteers worked together to harvest the bulbs and prepare them for storage. The bulbs were then given to the Winnipeg Bulb Project in the fall of 2014 and were redistributed to families and individuals for urban greening projects. 13 14 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report ASSINIBOINE ASSINIBOINE PARK PARK CONSERVANCY CONSERVANCY INC. 2012 2014 Annual Annual Report Report Imagine a Place 2014 Campaign News Major Funding Announcements In 2009, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy unveiled a bold redevelopment plan that is breathing new life into Assiniboine Park and Zoo. In just a few short years, with the support of the private and public sectors, APC has added tremendous value to Winnipeg’s historic Assiniboine Park. By building innovative facilities, instituting operational disciplines, and developing creative and informative programming, the Park continues to gain a reputation as a world-class destination. The goal of the Imagine a Place Campaign is to raise $200 million to fund this redevelopment, which will be completed in several phases. The first phase focused on renewal and investment in the Heart of the Park. In the second phase, the focus shifted to the revitalization and modernization of Assiniboine Park Zoo. A highlight of this phase was the opening of the redevelopment’s signature exhibit, Journey to Churchill, in July 2014. In the next phase of the redevelopment, APC has the opportunity to further capture the imagination of Manitobans, Canadians, and visitors from all corners of the globe by offering inspiring experiences in natural environments found beyond the climate of the prairies, while celebrating the beauty of our own geography and climate. We will shift our focus from the animal kingdom to the lifesustaining world of plants with the proposed development of an iconic new horticultural themed attraction and gardens in the southeast corner of the Park. A total of $9.3 million was raised from the private sector in 2014 with a cumulative total of $130 million raised to date from both the private and public sectors. May 28 July 17 September 10 September 24 Silver Jeans Co.™, a division of Western Glove Works, a family-owned business that has produced quality denim products for 93 years, announced a gift of $500,000. The donation has been recognized in the Snowy Owl Habitat within the 10-acre Journey to Churchill exhibit. The spacious exhibit has space for 10 – 12 owls, leaving room for future hatchlings that may come as a result of the Zoo’s participation in a Species Survival Plan. Desjardins Insurance announced a $500,000 donation toward the revitalization of the Park’s extensive network of pathways used by thousands of runners, walkers, and cyclists throughout the year. The plan for the revitalization of the Park’s pathways includes maintenance and improvement of existing pathways, enhanced accessibility, and new pathways in some areas of the Park. The gift is the largest single donation Desjardins has made in Western Canada. Western Financial Group, a subsidiary of the Desjardins Group, also supported the capital campaign with a gift of $100,000. Ray McFeetors, former CEO and Chairman of Great-West Lifeco, announced a gift of $2 million to establish the McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre at the Zoo. The new exhibit will take visitors back to a time in our province’s history when heavy “horse-power” was still heavily relied on in pioneer-era industries such as agriculture, forestry, mining, and road construction. In addition to Mr. McFeetors’ personal gift, Great-West Life has pledged $250,000 toward the exhibit. The McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre will open in the summer of 2015. A bronze polar bear sculpture commissioned by Bob Williams as a gift to the Assiniboine Park Conservancy was unveiled at the Zoo. Williams, President and CEO of Swancoat Investments Ltd., is a founding member of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy Board of Directors, a former chair of Polar Bears International, and an avid collector of Canadian art. The 9-foot-tall bronze sculpture, entitled “Mother Polar Bear and Cubs”, has been installed in the plaza outside the Zoo’s new entrance. APC Family Campaign In October, APC launched its annual staff and volunteer giving campaign. The campaign achieved a 67% participation rate among staff, which represents a 50% increase over 2013. With donations from volunteers included, the campaign raised close to $27,000, a 74% increase over the previous year! 15 15 16 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report Connecting with the Community In 2014, education activities at Assiniboine Park and Zoo — including camps, workshops, tours and programs— engaged more than 16,000 people. In the fall, following the opening of Journey to Churchill, APC added four new Manitoba curriculumconnected programs suited to grades one through 12 that focus on polar bears and climate change issues. New Education Partnerships PROGRAMS & SERVICES The Education Departments of Assiniboine Park Conservancy and The Manitoba Museum partnered on a new day-long program for high school students, which was rolled out for the 2014-2015 school year. The programs are held at the Assiniboine Park Zoo and the Manitoba Museum and focus on Arctic adaptations, climate change and conservation efforts taking place at the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC). Parks Canada and APC’s Education and Conservation & Research departments collaborated on a pilot outreach education project at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in July and August 2014. This project will to enhance the visitor experience at the Zoo and increase visitor education and awareness of Parks Canada protected wildlife and ecosystems. The Manitoba Field Unit programming focuses on Wapusk National Park’s role in protecting the habitat of the Western Hudson Bay population of polar bears and other sub-arctic species, with the Journey to Churchill exhibit and the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC) serving as both the setting and teaching tools. Building on the success of the 2014 pilot Project, Parks Canada will deliver outreach education programs to visitors at the Assiniboine Park Zoo June through August, 2015 to 2017. Foodology Foodology is a pilot program initiated by the Assiniboine Park Conservancy and Marymound organization that provides young people and their families with foster care, therapy and addictions support, and more. The program aims to help youth understand how active experiences such as gardening, harvesting and food preparation are related to nutrition and well-being. Last summer, 20 youth from Marymound rolled up their sleeves and learned about gardening, pickling, vermicomposting, beekeeping, and baking bread and bannock in an outdoor oven at Assiniboine Park. Organizers saw an immediate change in participants, noting the opportunity to explore and learn at their own pace reduced tension and created a fun educational environment. Sustainability Awareness The Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Take Pride Winnipeg! Inc. and Manitoba Education for Sustainable Development Working Group partnered with 16 exhibitors for the inaugural Sustainability Day held in Journey to Churchill on October 2, 2014. Nearly 500 visitors of all ages attended the Zoo that day, learning about resource recycling, climate change mitigation, fair trade and many more sustainability topics. That evening, a fundraising dinner and silent auction was held, benefiting the three non-profit organizations involved. The event was a success and a total of $3,700 was raised for Conservation and Research initiatives at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. 17 18 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report 661 8,509 940 4,255 1,397 1,114 In 2014, 45 partners contributed $596,223 for community programming in Assiniboine Park and Zoo through sponsorships, grants and in-kind donations. children ages six to 12 attended spring and summer camp. participants attended curriculum-linked school and group programs at the Park and Zoo in 2014. participants took part in outreach programs delivered by APC’s Education Programming team. people participated in guided tours of Assiniboine Park & Zoo people participated in leisure programs such as art, crafting, and botanical classes, family & tot programs, sleepovers and recreation programs. students participated in education field trips subsidized by the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. Home for the Holidays From November 21 to January 4, the Conservatory served as the host for APC’s inaugural holiday show, entitled Home for the Holidays. The Palm House, Display House and the lobby of the Conservatory were transformed with horticultural displays inspired by the classic children’s novel ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ by Jules Verne. Elements from the story incorporated into the display included a train, globe and an elephant, all made from living plant material. Nearly 5,000 visitors took in the show throughout the holiday season. Proceeds from the Home for the Holidays show support the care and maintenance of Assiniboine Park’s gardens and horticultural displays offered free of charge year-round to Park visitors. Summer Entertainment Series The annual Red River Co-op Summer Entertainment Series at Assiniboine Park offered more than 30 concerts and events from June to August at the Lyric Theatre and Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, as well as a variety of art exhibitions at Park venues. The entire series is offered free of charge to the public and made possible solely through sponsorship support. Benefit Concert On September 5, APC held the inaugural Sound & Sky Benefit Concert at the Lyric Theatre. Popular country-rock band Blue Rodeo, with special guests Spirit of the West, performed live for a crowd of more than 8,000 people. All proceeds support the Red River Co-op Summer Entertainment Series. Wildest Dreams On August 27, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy hosted the inaugural Wildest Dreams event at Assiniboine Park Zoo. Wildest Dreams provides a once-ina-lifetime Zoo experience for children facing health and/or socio-economic challenges. From the moment these children and their families walked through the doors, they were treated to an evening full of special events and activities beyond an everyday Zoo visit. In 2014, APC partnered with CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, The Salvation Army, St. Amant Foundation, MaryMound and The Dream Factory, to identify children in need who would benefit most from this very special event. In addition to making this fun and memorable experience possible for these children and their families, Wildest Dreams is also a fundraiser. The event raised $30,000 with proceeds supporting initiatives that help make programs for children throughout the Park and Zoo physically and financially accessible to those in need. 19 20 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report visit was also an opportunity for the participants to improve communication skills, develop stronger relationships with researchers at the Zoo and other southern facilities, and to experience the City of Winnipeg. Conservation & Research Ikaarvik: From Barriers to Bridges From October 20 to 23, APC’s Conservation and Research Department welcomed a group of visitors as part of the Ikaarvik: From Barriers to Bridges program. Ikaarvik is a team consisting of researchers and community members from Arctic communities, the Vancouver Aquarium, and ArctiConnexion as well as partnering zoos and aquariums including the Assiniboine Park Zoo. The goal of the program is to develop and strengthen communications and partnerships between northern and southern communities, improve the role northern communities have in scientific research, and assist the public and policy makers with a better understanding of the Arctic. During the four day visit, discussions focused on what life is like in the Arctic and ways to help APC improve our representation of the Arctic perspective within the Zoo. This The knowledge gained and experiences shared by the participants of Ikaarvik are unique and irreplaceable. Assiniboine Park Zoo hopes to further develop relationships with northern communities of Nunavut. Having these connections allows APC to develop accurate stories of the north in our Arctic education programs. Burrowing Owl Recovery Program The Manitoba Burrowing Owl Recovery Program (MBORP) was established in 2010 in cooperation with the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Turtle Mountain Conservation District, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, and the Portage Natural History Group. MBORP is an important, ongoing conservation project at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. The aim of the program is to increase the wild population of Burrowing Owls in Manitoba. To accomplish this, each year young birds are brought to the Zoo to overwinter, increasing the number that survive. Assiniboine Park Zoo veterinarians and zookeepers provide overwinter housing and care for all Burrowing Owls in the program. These owls are kept off display to ensure they do not become habituated to humans – this could cause problems when they are in the wild. Enrichment, including artificial nest burrows and live prey training is provided for all captive release owls. In the summer these owls are moved back to southern Manitoba to breed and be released into the wild. APC’s Conservation and Research team helps by using genetic methods to determine if new chicks are male or female so they can be properly paired for breeding when released as adults. Owls are paired in a way that provides the most genetic variation for the species. APC also plays a vital role in educating thousands of Zoo visitors annually about the Burrowing Owl, the recovery program’s activities, and other endangered species in Manitoba. Field Research in Churchill, MB Spring 2014 marked the second annual field research trip to northern Manitoba for APC’s Conservation and Research Department. The team travelled to Churchill to observe and count ringed seals on the ice and harbour seals in the Churchill Estuary. The objective of this project is to provide new and valuable insight into the impacts of climate change on the animals of the Arctic by monitoring how seal populations change over time. Seals are a key component of the Arctic ecosystem and especially important to Inuit and polar bears. The Churchill Estuary is a biologically rich area and home to ringed, harbour, and bearded seals. Accessibility to the study animals and support from the Churchill Northern Studies Centre makes it an ideal place to study behavior and population dynamics using non-invasive methods. While in Churchill, the team collected data and samples from both ringed seal and harbour seals and these results have already been used by one student at the University of Winnipeg. 21 22 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report Staff & Volunteer Resources Volunteer Resources APC’s Volunteer Resources experienced another year of growth, both in the number of volunteers and the number of unique volunteer opportunities available. The opening of Journey to Churchill, as well as an increased number of special events throughout the Park and Zoo, provided volunteer opportunities in every APC business unit throughout the year. During peak summer months, APC had 350 people volunteering on a regular basis. In 2014, volunteers were trained as Visitor Services Concierges at the new Zoo entrance, greeters for evening events such as Wildest Dreams, the International Police Women’s Conference, Sustainability Day, and the Home for the Holidays Show at the Conservatory and other activities. Other volunteers donated their unique skill sets to APC’s Finance, Executive Office, Human Resources and Resource Development departments. In addition, a volunteer role for Interpreters was introduced at the Zoo, with 14 volunteers participating in specialized training. APC’s dedicated team of volunteers continues to provide APC with needed volunteer support every day of the year, providing exceptional customer service to visitors and support to staff. Staff Developments APC’s 2014 annual seasonal recruitment plan geared up in spring for the busy summer season and the opening of Journey to Churchill. An online applicant tracking system provided by North Star Human Resources Inc. was introduced to increase efficiency in the recruitment process and support APC in recruiting over 250 new and returning incumbents to our Operations and Visitor Services business units. Customer Service Training In the spring, APC launched “Creating an Experience”, level two of the customized “Extraordinary Experience” customer service training program. “Inspire an Experience” (level one of the program) provided all APC staff and volunteers with a full day of training on APC’s Customer Service Standards: Engage, Empower, Exceed. Level two enhanced their understanding to an applied level with 12 hours of practical training delivered across four modules. By the end of 2014, new and existing staff and volunteers in front-line service positions across the organization completed the entire “Extraordinary Experience” program as part of APC’s people readiness strategy for the opening of Journey to Churchill. Going forward APC will continue to provide the program to train new, and ensure returning and current staff and volunteers are kept updated. 23 24 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. Summarized Statement of Operations and Changes in Fund Balances for the year ended December 31 Deloitte LLP 360 Main Street, Suite 2300 Winnipeg MB R3C 3Z3 Canada Tel: (204) 942-0051 Fax: (204) 947-9390 www.deloitte.ca REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR ON THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS To the Members of, Assiniboine Park Conservancy Inc. The accompanying summary financial statements, which comprise the summarized balance sheet as at December 31, 2014 and the summarized statement of operations and changes in fund balances for the year then ended, are derived from the audited financial statements of Assiniboine Park Conservancy Inc. (the “Organization”) for the year ended December 31, 2014. We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on the financial statements in our report dated April 16, 2015. The financial statements, and the summary financial statements, do not reflect the effects of events that occurred subsequent to the date of our report on those financial statements. The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Reading the summary financial statements, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial statements of the Organization. Management’s Responsibility for the Summary Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation of a summary of the audited financial statements. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the summary financial statements based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Canadian Auditing Standard 810, Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements. Opinion In our opinion, the summary financial statements derived from the audited financial statements of the Organization for the year ended December 31, 2014 are consistent, in all material respects, with the financial statements, in accordance with the Canadian Auditing Standard 810, Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements. Chartered Accountants Winnipeg, Manitoba April 21, 2015 25 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report 26 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report Assiniboine Park Conservancy Inc. Summarized Balance Sheet as at December 31 Assiniboine Park Conservancy Inc. Summarized Statement of Operations and Changes in Fund Balances for the year ended December 31 2014 2013 ASSETS Current Cash and short term investments $ Accounts receivable Government grants & remittances receivable (Note 1) Construction advance receivable (Note 1) Inventory Prepaid Expenses 11,078,980 207,214 1,065,758 - 206,776 338,550 12,897,278 Long term Capital assets (Note 1) Art collections Employee benefits receivable $134,453,525 $111,264,814 LIABILITIES Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred contributions - operating Notes payable Current portion of long-term debt $ $ 107,415,851 13,702,402 437,994 6,899,404 274,322 20,900,000 382,000 $ 10,030,750 154,378 251,265 2,189,821 177,985 350,522 13,154,721 84,035,016 13,542,552 532,525 9,017,215 158,949 13,900,000 382,000 28,455,726 23,458,164 Long term 446,421 91,365,630 1,250,244 206,827 526,386 71,910,875 1,632,244 301,358 121,724,848 97,829,027 Deferred contributions - operating Deferred contributions - capital Long-term debt Accrued employee benefits NET ASSETS Restricted Unrestricted (Note 2) 13,702,402 (973,725) 13,542,552 (106,765) 12,728,677 13,435,787 Note 1 $134,453,525 $ 111,264,814 On July 3, 2014, the Journey to Churchill Exhibit which includes the Provincially owned International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (“IPBCC”) and Polar Bear Facilities were substantially completed and opened to the public. The Province of Manitoba has a $30 million investment in the IPBCC and Polar Bear Facilities, which include the Gateway to the Arctic Building, the Animal Holding and Filtration System Building and the Polar Plunge. As a result, the Province’s $30 million investment in these capital assets do not appear on the Conservancy’s balance sheet. In addition, the Province provided the Conservancy with $4 million in capital grants for the Journey to Churchill. REVENUE 2014 City of Winnipeg Other operating grants Gifts and sponsorships Amortization of deferred contributions Park revenues 2013 $ 12,207,000 206,776 459,337 5,280,426 10,115,966 $ 12,207,796 137,333 499,178 3,491,725 7,460,181 28,269,505 6,234,667 23,796,213 5,120,555 22,034,838 18,675,658 EXPENSE 1,661,894 349,611 5,302,901 160,926 2,388,558 1,093,434 11,944,474 $ 1,533,481 167,115 3,364,825 148,288 1,819,238 966,253 10,667,579 22,901,798 18,666,779 (Deficiency) Excess Of Revenue Over Expense (866,960) 8,879 Unrestricted Fund Balance, Beginning of Year (106,765) (115,644) (973,725) $ (106,765) Total Revenue Direct costs of park revenues Administration Interest Amortization of capital assets Insurance Operations Utilities Wages, benefits and contract services Total Expense Unrestricted Fund Balance, End of Year (Note 2) $ $ Note 2 In 2014, the City of Winnipeg and the Conservancy agreed to the deferralof $1 million of the operating grant to which the Conservancy was entitled under the Lease and Funding Agreement between the two parties. As a result, in 2014 the Conservancy budgeted for and incurred an operating deficit of approximately $867,000. The City provided an additional $1 million operating grantto the Conservancy in 2015 which will eliminate the accumulated deficit of $974,000. 2014 REVENUE BY SOURCE 2014 EXPENSE BY CATEGORY n City of Winnipeg 43% n Wages, benefits and contract services 41% n Other operating grants 1% n Direct costs of park revenues 21% n Gifts and sponsorships 1% n Administration 6% n Amortization of deferred contributions 19% n Interest 1% n Park revenues 36% n Amortization of capital assets 18% n Insurance 1% n Operations 8% n Utilities 4% 27 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report 28 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2012 Annual Report Assiniboine Park Conservancy Inc. Deferred contributions - Capital for the year ended December 31 2014 2013 Contributions received City of Winnipeg $ 13,333,000 $ Province of Manitoba (Note 1) 3,105,160 Foundations and Charities 2,594,999 Individuals 1,998,605 Corporations 3,703,417 15,749,000 3,734,519 3,734,039 3,592,047 Total Contributions 24,735,181 26,809,605 (5,280,426) (3,491,725) Deferred Contributions - Capital, Beginning of Year 71,910,875 48,592,995 Amortization of deferred contributions Deferred Contributions - Capital, End of Year 2014 CONTRIBUTIONS – CAPITAL n City of Winnipeg 54% n Province of Manitoba 13% n Foundations and Charities 10% n Individuals 8% n Corporations 15% $91,365,630 $71,910,875 29 30 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY INC. 2014 Annual Report assiniboinepark.ca 55 Pavilion Crescent • Winnipeg, Manitoba • R3P 2N6 [email protected] PH 204 927 6000 TF 1 877 927 6006 F 204 927 7200