On Tuesday, February 25th, MP Dan Vandal announced that the federal government will be providing more than $1.9 million to the St. Boniface Museum for their major infrastructure upgrades.

The building at 494 Taché was formerly a convent and mission house for the Grey Nuns. It was completed in 1851 and is now the largest standing oak log structure in North America. The building was converted into a museum in 1967 and has continued to grow as an institute ever since, with programming and exhibits sharing Métis and Franco-Manitoban history.

In June of 2024, the St. Boniface Museum closed its doors to the public, and work began on its largest infrastructure upgrades since 1991. The building needs upgrades to its roof structure and energy systems, refurbishing of lobby and office areas, and much more restoration work to ensure its longevity. Heritage Winnipeg is very pleased to see this major preservation work underway.

While the funds provided by the federal government cover just under half of the total project costs for these upgrades, Dan Vandal promised that the museum would receive more before a federal election is called. He also urged other governments to consider providing financial aid to this project. As owners of this historic building The City of Winnipeg also pledged $300,000 to the museum’s restoration in 2024. We are pleased to see the St. Boniface Museum receiving this much-needed financial aid and we are grateful to Dan Vandal for bringing attention to the important restoration.

The renovations are set to be completed in 2026, which will mark the 175th anniversary of the building’s completion. In the meantime, the museum is currently operating a gift shop and temporary exhibit inside the Old St. Boniface City Hall at 219 Provencher Blvd.

Featured Image: St. Boniface Museum in 2023.
Source: Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum (via Doors Open Winnipeg)

Sources:

“St. Boniface Museum gets funding boost for renovation of 174-year-old building” CBC News, 25 February 2025.

“Ottawa delivers nearly $2M for St. Boniface museum reno” Malak Abas, Winnipeg Free Press, 26 February 2025.