On Thursday, March 23rd, 2023, the Crescentwood-Enderton Park area became the second heritage conservation district in Winnipeg! The new heritage conservation district designation will ensure future development is consistent with objectives and policies created by the community and the City of Winnipeg, allowing for change while remaining sensitive to the area’s historic character. This is a great achievement for Crescentwood-Enderton Park area residents and heritage community who have spent years advocating for the unique history of this neighbourhood to be protected.

On June 6th, 2019, the Crescentwood-Enderton Park area was officially nominated as a heritage conservation district (HCD), after Armstrong’s Point became Winnipeg’s first HCD on April 25th, 2019. Popular across Canada and the world, HCDs are distinct geographical areas that have a concentration of heritage resources with special historical value. They include buildings, streets, landscapes, vistas, views, and more; and often have properties linked by an architectural style, historical development or event. HCDs help conserve a neighbourhood’s character while also guiding growth and change; enhancing community identity, pride and involvement; and leave a legacy for future generations. HCDs do not prevent redevelopment, new development or demolition; limit building materials or styles; speak to interiors or outdoor areas not in the public realm; or replace the need for the designation of individual heritage buildings.

The Crescentwood-Enderton Park area was an excellent candidate to become a HCD because it is an intact, early suburban neighbourhood in Winnipeg with many houses built between 1900 and 1914. Along with planned public greenspaces, it has a notable urban forest with old-growth vegetation found on tree-lined streets and in the large lots. New houses have been well-integrated into the historic streetscapes, while there are two heritage buildings on the City of Winnipeg’s List of Historical Resources and 17 heritage buildings on the City of Winnipeg’s Commemorative List. A distinctive neighbourhood with generous vistas, wide grassy boulevards, deep setbacks to the buildings, back lanes and variation in building heights, the nomination of Crescentwood-Enderton Park was strongly supported by many residents.

After years of meetings, research, workshops, planning, consultations and more, the Crescentwood-Enderton Park area is now officially recognized for its “special architectural and historical significance.” Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to advocate for the designation of this neighbourhood! 🎉