/ Our Story
Heritage Winnipeg is a non-profit charitable organization, established in 1978 as a cooperative effort between the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba and the Heritage Canada Foundation (now the National Trust for Canada) to promote the restoration, rehabilitation and preservation of Winnipeg’s built environment.
Charitable Registration # 11895 6572 RR0001
Our mission is to promote and encourage the conservation of historic/heritage structures and sites and attend to those matters which enhance and complement this purpose. Emphasis will be on restoration, revitalization, preservation, education and advocacy.
We are an independent organization which operates under the direction of a Board of Directors with representation from the general public, the City of Winnipeg, National Trust for Canada and the Manitoba Historical Society. The Executive Director implements the policies and objectives set by the Directors.
What does Heritage Winnipeg do?
Advocacy
Through advocacy we speak on behalf of the preservation of historic buildings threatened by demolition or neglect. Initial efforts included the Bank of Hamilton, the Bank of Commerce and the Bank of Nova Scotia. This advocacy work continues.
Some more recent efforts include Brookside Cemetery at 3001 Notre Dame Avenue, the Downtown Hudson’s Bay Company Building at 450 Portage Avenue, Crescentwood-Enderson Park Heritage Conservation District, the James Avenue Pumping Station at 109 James Avenue, the Gregg Building at 52 Albert Street, and many more.
Education & Publications
Our educational program has included technical seminars on many diverse heritage and conservation topics. Our office serves as a year-round resource and information center to students, the general public, the governmental agencies and tourists on heritage buildings and built heritage issues.
Other facets of our educational program involve working with and mentoring students of all levels on various aspects of Winnipeg’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Additionally, Heritage Winnipeg has sponsored research projects on various aspects of Winnipeg’s history.
Heritage Winnipeg works with historians, artists, organizations and heritage advocates to create educational publications focused on Winnipeg’s built heritage. This has been a part of our practice since 1983, when we published the “The Exchange District: An Illustrated Guide to Winnipeg’s Historic Commercial District” by M. Ross Wadell, a brochure that takes the interested tourist on a self-guided tour of the area.
In 2009, we worked with author Randy R. Rostecki to publish “Armstrong’s Point: A History”. This book features stories from one of Winnipeg’s oldest neighbourhoods alongside beautiful archival photographs.
In 2024, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the City of Winnipeg, we collaborated with artist Robert J. Sweeney to create “Winnipeg 150: Stories Our Buildings Tell”. This book features 150 original watercolour drawings of Winnipeg’s built heritage alongside a short history of each building.
In addition to these larger projects, we use our monthly blog posts to bring attention to and/or celebrate current built heritage projects, and we have prepared numerous historical articles for publication in community newspapers.
Projects & Events
Each year, Heritage Winnipeg brings exciting projects and events to Winnipeg’s history and heritage community. Our main event, Doors Open Winnipeg, is an annual event that has been in operation since 2003. For one weekend in May, visitors are welcomed into interesting buildings both new and old across the city free of charge and are invited to learn more about the building’s story. The event includes walking tours, workshops, performances, and many unique experiences.
For almost four decades, we have celebrated our community members and supporters through our Annual Preservation Awards. Heritage Winnipeg gives these awards to many individuals and organizations who go above and beyond in the conservation and restoration of Winnipeg’s built heritage.
Other ongoing projects include:
Millennium Centre conservation and management
Manitoba Day Celebrations
Student Programs and Mentorships
Source: Heritage Winnipeg
Millennium Centre Management & Conservation
Since 2021, Heritage Winnipeg has operated and managed all events while continuing to protect and conserve the Millennium Centre at 389 Main Street.
Built in 1912 and designed by Darling and Pearson, this historic former Bank of Commerce was saved from demolition in 1978 thanks to the combined efforts and advocacy of the heritage community.
The former banking hall, now known as Celebration Hall, is available for event rentals and has held everything from weddings, concerts, movies, photoshoots, and corporate meetings. All funds collected from event rentals are put towards conserving and restoring the building.
Fundraising & Economic Development
Heritage Winnipeg is funded by a combination of public grants and private donations. If the work of Heritage Winnipeg is to continue, our funding must come from a wider community base. Your financial support is appreciated.
Heritage Winnipeg recognizes the importance of finding uses for our historic buildings that augment the cultural inheritance of the community, with consideration for pertinent logistics and feasibility. Working with businesses, corporations, government, and organizations, we encourage their investments into our built heritage.