As one of the oldest cities in Western Canada, Winnipeg has a rich and illustrious history that is represented by many surviving historic sites, structures and buildings recognized at municipal, provincial and national levels. Over time, the City has developed a municipal heritage program that promotes the conservation of significant heritage sites.
Despite this current commitment to the conservation of heritage, the City has not yet developed a comprehensive Heritage Conservation Management Plan that will engage all sectors of the City. The focus to date has been the preservation of individual buildings, but Winnipeg also has a fascinating array of other heritage assets, including neighborhoods, landscapes, monuments, bridges and other structures. These other sites that hold memories and anchor traditions for individuals and communities, and interpret and celebrate the history of the city, but are not recognized as part of our collective heritage. Such places can promote the well-being of Winnipeg’s many communities in ways that too often go unrecognized. The protection and celebration of a broader range of historic places can also connect us more meaningfully with the past and make us reflect upon our future.
Heritage conservation is also recognized as an important aspect of sustainability and is crucial in the long-term development of sustainable communities. Buildings are – after all – the largest objects that we can recycle. The reuse of heritage buildings reduces greenhouse gas emissions, provides opportunities for densification of existing infrastructure and historic neighbourhoods and keeps valuable building material out of landfill sites.
Long-term strategies will be developed for:
- Community involvement and long-term communication;
- Development of linkages with sustainability initiatives, tourism development and other community priorities;
- Opportunities for ongoing public consultation and heritage marketing;
- Education and awareness initiatives, including partnered efforts with the local school system;
- Opportunities for the involvement of community volunteers; and
- Recognition, commemoration and interpretation programs for heritage resources.
The Heritage Conservation Management Plan will guide the City in maximizing the potential of its community heritage assets. This Plan is now underway, and will be completed by March 31st, 2010. A broadly based public consultation will solicit opinions from all corners of the City. We are asking the citizens of Winnipeg what is important in preserving our collective heritage.
So Winnipeg… How can we best plan for the conservation of Winnipeg’s significant heritage resources? Speak Up Winnipeg!!!!
