Since 1985 Heritage Winnipeg has been proud to award exceptional heritage projects and individuals at our Annual Preservation Awards. These recognized and awarded projects range from large scale restoration/rehabilitation to more modest (but nonetheless important) preservation work. Through the years, Heritage Winnipeg has recognized over 60 individuals and 130 building projects that have made a huge difference to the community through their commitment to Winnipeg’s built heritage!
On February 18th, 2020, in the midst of Canada’s Heritage Week, we held our 35th Annual Preservation Awards. Many significant nominations were received from projects and persons across the city. The nominations were open to the public, and were evaluated by an independent judging committee. The 2020 Judging Committee was made up of Wins Bridgman (Architect, Bridgman Collaborative), Neil Einarson (Retired; Province of Manitoba Historic Resources), Lisa Gardewine (Heritage Winnipeg Board President), Jim Kacki (Architect/Planner), Murray Peterson (Historical Buildings Officer, City of Winnipeg), and Les Stecheson (Architect).
2020 ANNUAL PRESERVATION AWARDS WINNERS
Commercial Conservation Award of Excellence
THE POLLARD FAMILY, owners of the Fortune Building. Built in 1882-83, the Fortune Building is an important historic block on Main Street. In recognition for the advocacy work undertaken to protect a heritage and cultural landmark. Also for their extensive 2 1/2 year commitment to the sympathetic and significant rehabilitation of its original interior, and exterior character defining elements.
 |
| Heritage Winnipeg Board Chair Lisa Gardewine presented the award to the Pollard Family, which was accepted by Ryan and John Pollard. |
ALPHA MASONRY LTD., for their outstanding masonry work on the exterior of the historic Fortune Building. For the sympathetic undertaking of the removal of paint, the restoration work of the exterior brick, and the extensive repointing.
 |
| Gus Kotulas accepted the award on behalf of Alpha Masonry. |
JILMARK CONSTRUCTION INC., for their integral role managing the heritage construction project of the historic Fortune Building.
 |
| David Reghr-Wiens accepted the award for Jilmark Construction. |
UNIT 7 ARCHITECTURE LTD., for their invaluable role as architects in the extensive interior and exterior rehabilitation of the historic Fortune Building.
 |
| Unit 7 Architecture accepting their award for work on the Fortune Building. |
Institutional Conservation Award of Excellence
THE CONGREGATION OF WESTMINSTER UNITED CHURCH located at 745 Westminster Avenue. For their commitment to the sympathetic maintenance and preservation of a historic landmark built in 1910. This work includes the restoration of the historically significant rose window, and the preservation work of the front steps.
 |
| Members of Westminster Church Ted Barnett (Board Chair), and Brandon Johnston (Member of the Property Committee) accept the Conservation Award of Excellence. The award was presented by board member Nancy Klos. |
YARROW SASH & DOOR for the pivotal role in the stunning restoration of the rose window at the Westminster United Church.
 |
| Michael Neufeld, from Yarrow Sash & Door, accepting the award for their work on Westminster’s Stained Glass Window. |
Institutional Conservation Award of Excellence
REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD, for their commitment to the sympathetic rehabilitation of this historic building located at 635 Sargent Avenue, designed in 1906 by Architect, Samuel Hooper. Initially a cultural Icelandic icon and now a West End heritage landmark, this modest project has had a very positive impact in the community.
 |
| The Redeemed Christian Church of God accepting the award for the restoration work at 635 Sargent Avenue. The award was presented by Heritage Winnipeg board member Greg Agnew. |
JOHN NEUFELD for his integral role, expertise, and quality workmanship as contractor, in the sympathetic rehabilitation of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
 |
| John Neufeld accepting an award for his contracting work on the restoration project at 635 Sargent Avenue) |
Institutional Conservation Award of Excellence
THE CITY OF WINNIPEG LIBRARY SERVICES, OWNERS OF ST. JOHN’S LIBRARY, for their outstanding stewardship in this exceptional conservation project that included heritage restoration, accessibility and building code upgrades, as well as expanded the reach of their programs. It is a superb example of a public landmark building and community hub, and its remarkable transformation over several years.
 |
| Ed Cuddy and Betty Perry accepted the award on behalf of the City of Winnipeg. The award was presented by Heritage Winnipeg board member Wins Bridgman. |
PUBLIC CITY ARCHITECTURE INC., for their outstanding architectural role on the heritage conservation project at St. John’s Library. The project included expertise on heritage restoration, accessibility and building code upgrades. Their role was instrumental in the successful conservation and transformation of a public landmark building and community hub.
 |
| PublicCity Architecture, accepting the award for their exceptional design of the St. John’s Library addition and restoration. |
Distinguished Service Award
David Penner
In Memoriam
Awarded to DAVID PENNER, an award winning architect, in honour of a lifetime of commitment and contributions to the architectural and heritage community. For his innovative and creative thinking towards the rehabilitation of landmark projects such as the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Carlton Building, Winnipeg Adult Education Centre and St. John’s Telephone Exchange.
 |
| Matthew Penner accepted the lifetime achievement award for his father, David Penner. The award was presented by Heritage Winnipeg board member Les Stecheson. |
Youth Award
Sabrina Janke
For her commitment and leadership role in facilitating historic walking tours, and for the endless promotion of Winnipeg’s built heritage. Enthusiastically educating the public on the importance of conservation, and encouraging others to see what a valuable asset our built heritage is to the community.
 |
| Sabrina Janke accepting the Heritage Winnipeg Youth Award, presented by Heritage Winnipeg board member Nick Hasiuk. |
Youth Award
Brandon Johnston
For his commitment and leadership role as a long-standing volunteer on the Westminster Church Property Committee, and for going above and beyond to promote and contribute to the protection, rehabilitation, and preservation of a landmark heritage building in Winnipeg.
 |
| Brandon Johnston, member of Westminster Church’s property committee, accepting a youth award from Manitoba Heritage Minister and Heritage Winnipeg board member Barbara Meyers. |
Youth Award
Bryce Alston
In recognition of his leadership role with Alston Properties to restore and rehabilitate heritage buildings, such as the Porter building and the James Avenue Pumping Station in the Exchange District, a national historic site. Recognizing the needs of the community through his commitment to heritage conservation and redevelopment.
 |
| Bryce Alston accepting his Heritage Winnipeg Youth Award, presented by city councillor and Heritage Winnipeg board member John Orlikow. |
Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated the champions of Winnipeg’s built heritage on February 18th, 2020. Special thanks to ThinkShift hosting the awards ceremony at the James Avenue Pumping Station! The 35th Annual Preservation Awards were generously sponsored by:
