Archived News Releases

August 14, 2015

Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff and Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux today congratulated the Friends of Upper Fort Garry as the Upper Fort Garry Provincial Heritage Park officially opened in Winnipeg.

“Through the hard work of the Friends of Upper Fort Garry, downtown Winnipeg is now home to a beautiful park that celebrates the birth of our city and our province,” said Minister Nevakshonoff.  “We’re pleased we were able to partner with the organization to make this park a reality and allow visitors to learn more about our province’s history.”

The province has invested $4.175 million in the Upper Fort Garry site towards land acquisition, site preparation and other expenses to help secure the area as a provincial heritage park.  In recognition of the park’s unique historic and cultural importance, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries also provided support for the Heritage Wall in the park.

Upper Fort Garry was the headquarters of the Hudson Bay Company from the 1830s to the 1880s.  It was the administrative and economic centre for Rupert’s Land and was the location of the Riel provisional government that eventually led to the admission of Manitoba as a province to the Dominion of Canada in 1870.  The fort was the cultural, social, judicial and economic centre of the northwest for more than 35 years.

All that remains of the original fort is the Governor’s Gate, which was preserved on a small piece of heritage property.  The original Upper Fort Garry was torn down between 1881 and 1889.

“I thank the Friends of Upper Fort Garry for their vision and dedication to this project,” said Minister Lemieux.  “Now, Winnipeggers, Manitobans and visitors to our community can learn more about our shared history and origins in this beautiful park.”

For more information on Manitoba’s provincial parks, visit www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/.

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