Founded in 1978, Heritage Winnipeg Corp. is a non-profit, charitable organization located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The organization works to prevent the destruction and neglect of Winnipeg's built heritage, as well as to promote the sustainable reuse and redevelopment of Winnipeg's built heritage.
Contents
The current Executive Director of Heritage Winnipeg is Cindy Tugwell.
History
Heritage Winnipeg was established in 1978, as a direct result of the protests surrounding the proposed demolition of the Bank of Commerce (now the Millennium Centre at 389 Main Street). Both the Bank of Commerce and the neighbouring Bank of Hamilton were threatened with demolition to make room for an employee parking lot. The protests garnered the attention of politicians of the day, and so Heritage Winnipeg was created in combination by the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba and the Heritage Canada Foundation.
Mission
According to the Heritage Winnipeg website, the organization is "mandated to promote and encourage the conservation of historic/heritage structures and sites, and to attend to those matters which enhance and complement this purpose. Emphasis on restoration, revitalization, preservation, education and advocacy, in order to augment the cultural inheritance of the community, with consideration for pertinent logistics and feasibility."
Advocacy
Heritage Winnipeg's main focus is advocating on behalf of heritage buildings within the city of Winnipeg that are threatened by demolition or neglect. Initial projects included the aforementioned Bank of Commerce and Bank of Hamilton, as well as the Bank of Nova Scotia. More recent projects have included the reopening of the Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre, the creation of the Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park, and the installation of the First World War Digital Memorial Project at Union Station (123 Main Street).
Heritage Winnipeg relies on a combination of public grants, private donations for funding sponsorships and memberships.
Doors Open Winnipeg
Doors Open Winnipeg is a free public event presented each year on the last weekend of May by Heritage Winnipeg. The event features tours of approximately 80 buildings and sites that are not normally open to the public. The event also features People's Choice Awards, which allow visitors to vote for their favourite buildings in five categories: Best Architecture, Best Restoration, Best Guided Tour/Programming, the 'Hidden Gem', and Best Overall Experience.