CASCADE Awards Distributed at Ontario Science Centre

Tuesday, May 09, 2017 11:10 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

May 6, 2017 (Toronto) – The Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) wrapped up the 15th Annual Conference with the CASCADE Awards on Saturday, May 6.  The CASCADES recognize outstanding achievement by both individuals and organizations Canada-wide.


Individual Awards

Individual awards are selected by the CASC Board of Directors based on nominations received by the deadline date.  


Jennifer Pink, former Science Director, Science North located in Sudbury, Ontario received the Outstanding Career Achievement Award for her significant contributions to the Science Centre industry for more than 30 years.

For more information, contact Brenda Tremblay, 705-522-3701, ext. 212, tremblay@sciencenorth.ca


Rich Vieira, Project Manager, Ontario Science Centre, located in Toronto, Ontario received the Outstanding Project or Program Leadership Award for his outstanding work on various projects, particularly two concurrent projects: Power of Ideas and Canada 150: Discovery Way.

For more information, contact Mary Jane Conboy, 416-696-3174, maryjane.conboy@osc.on.ca


Michael Edwards, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Exhibits, Science East located in Fredericton, New Brunswick received the “Making a Difference” award for his passion for developing and implementing programs, his enthusiasm for getting children excited about science and his willingness to share his knowledge with colleagues across the country.

For more information, contact Lieff Salonius, 506-457-2340, ext. 125, lieff.salonius@scienceeast.nb.ca


Institutional Awards

Institutional Awards are selected by an independent awards jury based on a review of nominations received by the deadline date.


Best Exhibition or Show – Large Institution

Wild Weather

Science North

Wild Weather engages visitors in cutting-edge technology used to forecast weather events and in the stories and equipment of weather seekers – the scientists, forecasters, broadcasters, and the passionate seekers and enthusiasts. Through experiments, challenges, models, computer interactives and multimedia experiences, visitors of all ages delve into current severe weather science.

Media contact: Brenda Tremblay, 705-522-3701, ext. 212, tremblay@sciencenorth.ca


Best Exhibit or Show – Small Institution

Worlds of the Night

Sherbrooke Nature and Science Museum

At night, while many animals sleep, others get busy. Who are they? Why are they not sleeping? How can they accomplish their activities in total darkness? Some that live in polar regions don’t have a choice. The Worlds of the Night brings to light these subjects along a trail leading to a central zone, surrounded by eleven immersive and interactive alcoves. Obviously, you will be awake all night!


For more information, contact Michelle Bélanger, 819-564-3200, ext. 229, michelle.belanger@naturesciences.qc.ca



Best Program – Large Institution

Family Nature Clubs

Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre

Family Nature Clubs are dedicated to helping people get time in nature back on the family calendar by providing regular opportunities to engage in hikes and other fun outdoor family activities. These experiences give families a sense of place, allow for free play in nature, and familiarize families with the many opportunities for outdoor recreation in their neighborhoods. 

 

For more information, contact Jonathan Hultquist, 604-659-3497, jonathan.hultquist@vanaqua.org


Best Program – Small Institution  

Tide to Technology

Discovery Centre (Halifax)

The Tide to Technology program addresses Nova Scotia’s need to raise awareness about oceans and ocean technology-related careers. Through partnership with the Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia, the Discovery Centre provides this hands-on technology-based program available to schools anywhere in Nova Scotia free of charge. 

For more information, contact Kara McPhee, 902-492-4422, ext. 2227, kmacphee@thediscoverycentre.ca


The CASCADE Awards program is part of the final gala evening to culminate the two-day conference for Science Centre professionals.  Other events in the program included keynote speakers Sheila Watt Cloutier author and 2017 Canada Reads finalist and Nina Simon Museum visionary, several sessions designed to provide professional development opportunities to staff and volunteers that make up the workforce of Canada’s Science Centres.  The conference provides an incredible opportunity for Science Centres to share best-practices, develop partnerships and learn from each other.


The 16th Annual CASC Conference will take place at The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre in Prince George May 9-11, 2018.


About the Canadian Association of Science Centres

The Canadian Association of Science Centres’ mission is to: “build capacity for its members to inspire a creative and prosperous Canada through science and technology engagement.”  The Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) represents 45 Canadian Science Centres, Museums, Aquariums and Planetariums.  The workforce across our membership represents more than 2,000 science communicators and support staff and more than 10,000 volunteers. 


To learn more about the Canadian Association of Science Centres, please visit:

Website: www.canadiansciencecentres.ca

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Canadian-Association-of-Science-Centres

Twitter: twitter.com/CASC_ACCS


--30--


CASC Media Contact:

Stephanie Deschenes

Canadian Association of Science Centres

(705) 522-6825, ext. 277

deschenes@casc-accs.com