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Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Winnipeg's Architectural Heritage and Sport Manitoba's New Home

Had the good fortune to attend a City of Winnipeg Property and Development Committee Meeting. How I got there was possibly a mistake, but fortuitous. It's not everyday, you get to hear Paul Robson (GM of the 1984 Grey Cup winning Blue Bombers) speak on the imminent move of Sport Manitoba, and their plans to upgrade.

The crux of the matter was resolved by declaring 146 and 156 Alexander Grade III Heritage Buildings (ie "Suitable alterations or repairs are regulated to preserve the special architectural or historical interest. There is usually no restriction on interior alterations"), so that Sports Manitoba may move in and make necessary upgrades. It will increase their office space from approximately 68,000 to 84,000 square feet. This is the first funded phase of the project that should be completed by the end of 2009. 

The Second Phase will include a 900,000 field house, that may gain traffic of about 1200 users/day. Sports Manitoba will continue with its 200+ employees.

Presenters, along with Robson, included Sport Manitoba President & CEO Jeff Hnatiuk, Ross Eadie, and the building's owner, Mr Tang, who seemed very excited by the proposal.

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Also discussed was Winnipeg's Historic Inventory List of 400 buildings, the owners of which can expect a mailing soon, informing them that there are historical obligations that come attached with their properties. However, it's not clear when or how these assessments will be made. There is a goal of getting these matters clarified by 2010.

The entire list can be found at:

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Heritage Winnipeg Director Cindy Tugwell also made a presentation. She was clearly frustrated at the lack of communication between interested parties, development and preservation.

Both Fort Rouge - East Fort Gary City Councillor Jenny Gerbasi and Tugwell were relieved that the historical buildings were not to be demolished. Gerbasi, in particular, was enthusiastic of the change in plans.

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