Year Eleven was a reminder that milestones matter—especially in uncertain times.

We reached a big one: Project #500. Just over a decade after our beginnings on River Avenue, that number felt both surreal and deeply gratifying. It was more than a tally; it was a testament to persistence, teamwork, and vision. Fittingly, we also celebrated Republic’s 10th anniversary: an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate how far we’d come together.

Recognition came from beyond our walls, too. Republic received the 2021 MASI Design Award – Retail, Silver. (Stay tuned for Year Twelve—we’ve got highlights from our celebration to share!)

Even as the pandemic persisted, so did our momentum—and our team continued to grow. We welcomed Meng Wang, whose mechanical engineering insight brought fresh depth. Roslyn Cooke and Mary-Lou Porco added dynamic perspectives to our Interiors team. Julia McIntyre was a spectacular addition to our spec writing team with sharp skills and a love for puns. And Scott Normand brought expertise—and swagger—to our architectural practice. Each new face was a reminder that growth isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people. And at Republic, we’re all about the people.

Agility remained one of our core strengths. With in-person gatherings on hold, we found new ways to connect: virtual trivia nights, Fridays @ 4, and even Retreat #11, our first-ever virtual retreat. Instead of discovering somewhere new, we looked back. Divided into ten teams, the #PeopleOfRepublic revisited each of our past retreat locations—unearthing design icons, sharing inside jokes, and reliving a decade of creativity and adventure.

When restrictions briefly lifted, we made the most of it, gathering for a physically distanced walking tour through Winnipeg’s Exchange District. It wasn’t a far-flung destination, but being outdoors, exploring our own city, and reconnecting in person felt like a gift.

And while most of Manitoba remained under stay-at-home orders, a rare opportunity came our way: photographing one of our projects inside the Manitoba Legislative Building Rotunda, virtually empty. Special thanks to Jaqueline at Stationpoint Photographic for helping us safely capture that moment under provincial health guidelines. (More on that project in Year Twelve!)

By the end of Year Eleven, our portfolio had grown to 577 projects. The world remained uncertain, but our momentum—and our culture of connection—carried us forward.

Because even when the path ahead is unclear, the journey is still worth celebrating.