Last week, we said goodbye to one of the oldest houses in our city.

Polson House at 94 Cathedral Avenue was built in 1894 for Alexander Polson, former city councillor and grandson of one of the original Selkirk Settlers. The home was a distinct example of Queen-Anne Revival style architecture, with decorative finials and pendants among other character-defining elements.

Unfortunately, the home’s historical and architectural significance was not enough to save it. The building had been left vacant for several years and was in very rough shape. With heavy hearts, Heritage Winnipeg and other heritage organizations supported the demolition, which began, February 19th, 2025. We will all be moving forward to advocate that the new owner put some sort of a permanent historical marker on the property so that all who walk by realize the immense historical value of the home and what we lost.

Two Heritage Winnipeg Board Members were interviewed by various news sources on the topic of Polson House’s demolition. Kenneth Ingram, President of the Seven Oaks Historical Society, shared that the society is looking into creating a form of commemoration for the house at its former site to preserve its history.

The demolition of Polson House at 94 Cathedral Avenue on February 19th, 2025.
Source: Kenneth Ingram (Heritage Winnipeg Board Member)

Jim Smith, president of the Northeast Winnipeg Historical Society, expressed concern for another historic home: Bleak House at 1637 Main Street. The 150-year-old home once belonged to the Inksters, an influential family in the early years of Winnipeg’s development. It is now owned by the City of Winnipeg, and heritage advocates fear that due to lack of maintenance, it may be approaching a similar fate to that of Polson House. While the city seems intent on sourcing funding to preserve and restore the building, the longer Bleak House is neglected, the faster it deteriorates.

Bleak House at 1637 Main Street on August 16th, 2024.
Source: Jim Smith (Heritage Winnipg Board Member)

The loss of Polson House and the threat to Bleak House indicates the necessity of maintaining heritage buildings in our city. With each case of demolition by neglect, we risk losing a tangible piece of Winnipeg’s irreplaceable history. Owners of heritage buildings must respect the significance of their properties and commit to preserving their history for everyone.

Sources:

“Polson House, built in 1894, demolished” Malak Abas, Winnipeg Free Press, 21 February 2025.

“Polson House demolition raises fears other historic Winnipeg buildings could follow” Cameron MacLean, CBC News Winnipeg, 21 February 2025.

Featured photo: The demolished remains of Polson House at 94 Cathedral Avenue. Source: Kenneth Ingram

Past updates on 94 Cathedral Avenue:

May 29th, 2024 – “Decaying Heritage: Holy Trinity Anglican Church & Polson House”