“Win-Win” is a nice way of saying each side got a HALF victory.
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.
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May 27, 2007 @ 8:30 am
In the dark winter of 1869, my great grandfather, James Ashdown, was marched through the North gate as a prisoner, roped together with almost 60 others, of the ‘Canadian party’, who had chosen to defy the lawlessness of Louis Riel and his Metis.
Since that time, the fort has been much more than just a collection of memories to my family. For many years, we have supported the idea of a proper restoration, and a project that would highlight this unique structure.
Unfortunately, losing half the proposed property to a developer may just be the beginning. Is half a project ‘good enough?’ I do not think so.
— William Ashdown
May 30, 2007 @ 9:42 am
It is wonderful to have a descendent of a man who so greatly contributed to Winnipeg’s history to leave a comment on this subject. You greatgrandfather would have been in Winnipeg during the period that it was orginally being torn down (1882-88); I wonder what his feelings were? It is a great connection that your family has to Upper Fort Garry; whereas my feelings for the fort stem from a love of history, there are many other like you who have an actual connection to the remaining gate.
While I was glad to hear that at least some restoration work would be done - and also that the Gate was given some decent publicity - I can’t help but feel that this just isn’t good enough. Placing the gate in the shadow of a high rise (on top of the poor placing it alread has) is just not ‘good enough’ nor does it show the proper respect that I believe is due, not just from the city, but also at a provincial and national level.
For those of you that would like to learn about James Ashdown, one of the great entrepreneurs that embodied the spirit that seized early Winnipeg, see the following links:
— Jon Malek