“Together with the hard work and commitment of hundreds of individuals, we have been able to provide additional downtown green space for everyone to enjoy,” said Doer. “I would like to thank Petro-Canada for supporting the vision that will make the future Upper Fort Garry Provincial Heritage Park larger, greener and more accessible.”
In 2008, the province committed $1.5 million in capital toward the heritage park project to help enable the Friends of Upper Fort Garry to preserve the historic site. Manitoba also agreed to designate the site a provincial park and to provide up to $150,000 in annual funding to maintain the new park.
Originally developed in 1834, this location is considered the birthplace of Winnipeg and Manitoba.
“This is a tremendous development for the Upper Fort Garry Heritage Park,” said Jerry Gray, chair of the Friends of Upper Fort Garry. “With the acquisition of this property, we now have the opportunity to further enhance the design and visual impact of the park. I would like to express the Friends’ sincere thanks to Premier Doer for his commitment to the project and particularly for his efforts in securing the site, and to Petro-Canada for their generosity in supporting this historic heritage development.”
As part of the agreement to transfer the land to Manitoba, the province has agreed to pay $1 million for the land and Petro-Canada has agreed to donate the remaining $1.35 million in land value to Manitoba.