Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

January 19, 2016

Province Supports Canada's Diversity Gardens at Assiniboine Park With $15 Million



Assiniboine Park is already a major draw for tourists from around the world, and the Manitoba government is supporting the next stage in its development by investing $15 million to help the Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) realize the goal of Canada’s Diversity Gardens, Premier Greg Selinger and Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux announced today.

“Manitoba is a province built on diversity, and Canada’s Diversity Gardens will be an iconic landmark celebrating the great variety and beauty of plant life that exists here,” said Premier Selinger.  “We embrace this project because it will become a place for learning, gathering and reflecting on our own diversity, as well as a major tourist draw.”

“Assiniboine Park has been a meeting place for Winnipeggers to celebrate anything from weddings, anniversaries and birthdays,” said Mayor Brian Bowman, City of Winnipeg.  “The significant improvements and developments undertaken over the years have made it a key destination for families and tourists and the development of Canada’s Diversity Gardens will continue to attract and educate people from both near and far.”

Canada’s Diversity Gardens is the final major phase of the $200-million Assiniboine Park redevelopment campaign, taking visitors into the natural environment with a new horticultural themed development.  The project goes a step beyond the traditional conservatory and blends culture, diversity, plant collections, gardens, horticultural displays and a community gathering space.  Additional funding for the garden will come from other levels of government and private donations. 

 “With the support of our vital partners like the Province of Manitoba, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy has been able to achieve a lot of great things in a short amount of time,” said Hartley Richardson, chair, board of directors, APC.  “With today’s announcement we are very excited to partner once again with the province and continue the momentum as we work towards Manitoba’s next great initiative.”

“Assiniboine Park is a jewel in the crown of our great province and the continued growth and improvements underway will make it a place for families to visit for years to come,” said Minister Lemieux.  “This expansion will draw even more people to the park and continue to show that Manitoba is where Canada’s Heart Beats.”

Built around four cornerstone attractions, the Leaf, the Indigenous Peoples’ Gardens, the Cultural Mosaic Gardens and the Grove, Canada’s Diversity Garden will stand as a meeting place, a tourist attraction and a year-round living classroom.

For more information or to see a concept video of Canada’s Diversity Gardens, visit www.assiniboinepark.ca/cdg.

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