Through advocacy we speak on behalf of the preservation of worthwhile buildings threatened by demolition or neglect. Past efforts include the Bank of Hamilton, the Bank of Commerce and the Bank of Nova Scotia. This advocacy work continues.

Heritage Winnipeg's Achievements

Heritage Winnipeg played a very prominent role in the development and adoption of the Province and City's Legislative regulations regarding City of Winnipeg Heritage tax Credit for Heritage Properties.
Heritage Winnipeg was responsible for the National Designation of the Exchange District and seeking UNESCO (World) Designation.
Heritage Winnipeg was instrumental in helping save countless buildings including - the bank of Hamilton and the Bank of Commerce, the Bank of Nova Scotia and The Bank of Montreal. The most recent of which are the Leland Hotel and the Ashdown Hardware Store (see article), this work continues.
Heritage Winnipeg lobbies governments, i.e., petitions for threatened heritage buildings subject to demolition and also the Sustainable Development Act etc., and many other heritage issues.
Heritage Winnipeg established an identification program for inventory of historical/heritage schools in Greater Winnipeg and building preservation.

How to Become Involved

Act as a conservation advocate in your neighbourhood, and promoting the cause of heritage conservation through education and other means.
Write articles on heritage themes and issues for publication in newsletters and other media.
Students can participate in research in several related fields including urban geography, architecture, city planning, history and economics.
Work on fundraising programs and/or events.
Work in the Heritage Winnipeg office.
Offer time and experience as a Board member or committee member.

Become a member

August 11, 2010

Heritage Canada's Top 10 Endangered Places List

The Heritage Canada Foundation posted their 2010 Top Ten Endangered Places List. They have recognized the immense pressure of development that faces the Exchange District National Historic Site and its periphery. Heritage Winnipeg along with Heritage Canada are very concerned for decisions that have been made regarding the historic and architectural content of the District. Heritage Winnipeg continues to advocate for a more transparent process to allow stakeholders an opportunity to be involved in the decision making process, and in addition to change committee structures that have not benefited the national historic site.

For Heritage Canada Foundation's Endangered Places List of 2010 click here.

November 3, 2011

Airport Terminal Memories: Two CBC Videos

CBC has put up two great videos about the 1964 Winnipeg air terminal on their website.

Here is a look back at memories of the terminal, including an interview with Bernard Brown, one of the original designers, and excellent archival footage of famous landings at the airport. The video is about 3 minutes.

Here is a documentary CBC did on the airport when it first opened in 1964. About 12 minutes long.

October 31, 2011

Success at City Hall: Monte Cassino Court and Milner House!

Success! Two historic buildings have been saved from the wrecking ball recently.

Monte Cassino Court, 639 Portage Ave.

The Standing Policy Committee on Downtown Development, Heritage and Riverbank Management, at their October 3 meeting, recommended that "the former Monte Cassino Court Building, 639 Portage Avenue, remain on the Inventory of Buildings under the terms of Historical Buildings By-law No. 1474/77, as the proposed development for this property is not being proceeded with."

This recommendation was ratified by City Council on October 19.

The minutes of the October 3 meeting can be found here (pdf).

See our previous posts on Monte Cassino court here (Sept 12) and here (Sept 2).

Milner House, 51 Balmoral St.

The Standing Policy Committee on Downtown Development, Heritage and Riverbank Management, at their October 31 meeting, recommended that "Milner House, 51 Balmoral Street, not be removed from the Buildings Conservation List under the terms of the Historical Buildings By-law No. 1474/77.

This recommendation will go on to the Executive Policy Committee and City Council.

The minutes of the October 31 meeting can be found here (pdf).

See our previous post on Milner House here (Sept 2).

We congratulate the City Councillors, especially Councillors Swandel, Gerbasi, Havixbeck, and Browaty, for wisely opting to protect these buildings. They are safe from demolition for the time being. This provides an opportunity for proposals of viable re-uses for these historical buildings. Lets hope that the owners can come to the table with interested parties and work out a solution that will benefit Winnipeg as a whole. Lets have more successes like these!