There has been a significant public backlash in the last couple of days on the news that the land surrounding Upper Fort Garry will be given over mostly to a commercial firm who will be building a 15-storey apartment block on the site. The remaining land would be sold to those who wish to develop Upper Fort Garry. I was pleased to hear that there was such a response. I was also very pleased to hear from the descendant of one of Winnipeg’s ‘big names’, who also believes that this plan is very much flawed.

I have been in contact with the group - Friends of Upper Fort Garry - who is one of the main public voices against the city going forward in this development. In the very near future I will be starting a petition to give to the Friends of Upper Fort Garry to forward to the City of Winnipeg. I realize that the number of people who read this site is very limited, but I believe that all support is valuable in this case - every voice counts. Those from Winnipeg who wish to express their support for the City not going ahead with this plan are encouraged to contact me at malekjon’alt’shaw.ca. But, I also strongly encourage those not from Winnipeg to email me with their support for this initiative. The City must see that this is not just a local concern. Upper Fort Garry has played a very historical role on the civil, provincial, and national level. Even so on the inter-national level, as Winnipeg (thus Fort Garry) has for a long time been a major trade center, a place which was secured by the position and importance of the Fort. So please email me if you would be interested in giving your support to this fight against allowing the city to sell the property surrouding Upper Fort Garry to be developed into another apartment block, casting the Fort in yet more shadows.

Also, as a commentary to something I read in a Winnipeg Sun article today: Mayor Sam Kates was quoted as saying, “I’m of the opinion that the majority of people who are commenting on this are not aware of the fact, No. 1, there was a completely open and public process,” he said, explaining the land was declared surplus during a public council meeting in 2006.” I agree with this 100%. I, who so loves the small remnant of Upper Fort Garry, did not know of this. However, I might like to add a small bit to this statement. There is a fellow down the street from looking for one reason or another to get a zoning variance to his property; as far as I know, I would not have become aware about this, except for a little sign posted on his property, although it would have been open to the public just as much as the discussion on the property of Upper Fort Garry. My point is this: why is it that I, a regular citizen of Winnipeg who is not involved in the political workings of the City, know more about the “open and public process” regarding a neglible piece of private land than I did about such a monumental decision in regards to the city’s history? The degree to which a people recognize and appreciate their history is reflected by the way they treat their historical relics. Yes, we have a lot of historic buildings, especially in our downtown. But I challenge anyone to tell me which architectural relic captures the spirit of Winnipeg’s history? What building started the excitement at the Forks that grew into the great city of Winnipeg? What building was place to so many historical events, not only of Manitoba, but Canada? I think it is a down right shame that the public was not given more notice about this. Announcing this “during a public council meeting in 2006″ is the same as mentioning it under one’s breath.

There has been a development in the story of the proposed development of the Upper Fort Garry gate in Winnipeg, MB. For information on what was planned by an organization named “Friends of Upper Fort Garry,” follow this link: http://www.heritagewinnipeg.com/advocacy/fortGarry.htm They have on this site a nice .pdf file that explains in detail the proposal. Apparently the City had put out a call for people to submit proposals to build up the land surrounding the Gate. If anyone has seen it, they will already know how horribly cramped the Gate is already; but the city has agreed to in essence split the reward of the contract in two, between Friends of Upper Fort Garry and a company called Crystal Developers. This is apparently a win-win situation, though I can’t help but feel it is only a half victory. I have only had the opportunity to briefly read on the story, so I will not be too stingy about my criticism on this decision, because I also must keep in mind financial matters and other concerns of the city. But, the point of the matter is that this fort has been poorly treated by the city since its demolition commenced in 1881. It has been the efforts of individual and non-governmental groups who have largely saved the only remaining relic from Winnipeg’s birth - the Gate - from being torn down or neglected. It is, to me, a sign of disrespect; in the shadow of the Upper Fort Garry and the presence of the HBC Winnipeg grew up, and for a time was the greatest city in Canada West. The Fort housed the Assiniboia council, one of the formative governmental bodies in Manitoba, as well as Louis Riel’s provisional government during his rebellion. It is currently cramped enough - Fort Garry Mall and Hotel cast shadow, while a gas station ruins the ambience of the small park. Granted the presence of the Manitoba Club - an historical presence itself - makes it a little more bearable, though the buildings to the south only add to the sore. Add this to the litter and graffiti and you get one neglected - yet highly important - historical site. To throw a 15-storey apartment block is not going to make it better.

However, the Friends of Upper Fort Garry are still getting something, which is worth being excited about. They intend to reconstruct the two south towers of the fort, as well as a section of the wall (as I understand), and make an interpretation/historical section explaining the site and its worth. According to the Winnipeg Free Press story (which I will post shortly) what is being given to the project is a far cry from what they planned. Nevertheless, it is good to know that the area is getting civic attention and will hopefully be cleaned up and built up.

Winnipeg Free Press article: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/story/3974425p-4591054c.html

I would love to hear your comments on what you think of the difference between the original proposal for the Fort Garry Gate and what looks like they will be granted.