Today, the Friends of Upper Fort Garry announced the launch of a public fundraising campaign to generate $3.5 million by March 31, 2008. The funds will be us ed to reclaim and transform Upper Fort Garry into a world class heritage park and interpretive centre for all Manitobans and visitors.
Dr. Jerry Gray, Chair of Friends of Upper Fort Garry, says, “We have already raised $1 million so we’re on our way. We now ask all Manitobans to lend their support and help us change the course of history.” Adds Gray, “This is a now – or – never opportunity to create a future for Upper Fort Garry — the birthplace of our city and our province and to boost education, tourism and downtown revitalization.”
Highlights of the new Upper Fort Garry heritage park and interpretive centre include:
a symbolic representation of the fort and the buildings that were once enclosed within its walls
installations of art and other creativ e works within the park that tell of 19th century life at Upper Fort Garry;
outdoor gathering spaces for historical events and programs
a modern Interpretive Centre that houses meeting facilities and exhibitions.
The total project cost is $12.5 million. Friends of Upper Fort Garry have already received a commitment from the City of Winnipeg to donate the site and are seeking commitments of $4.5 million from the Province of Manitoba and from the Government of Canada.
