October 27, 2021
New Endowment Fund and Mb150 Legacy Investment Support Preservation of Upper Fort Garry
– – –Fund Ensures Sustainability and Long-Term Viability of Historic Park For Future Generations: Premier
Watch news conference
The Manitoba government is establishing a new endowment fund to ensure the sustainability and long-term viability, vibrancy of the historic Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park, Premier Kelvin Goertzen and Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard announced today.
“Upper Fort Garry is one of the most significant historic sites in our nation, known as the ‘birthplace’ of the province of Manitoba in 1870 and its entry into confederation and its influence on the culture and economic development of Western Canada,” said Goertzen. “Our government is proud to establish this endowment fund that will enable this unique green space and attraction in the heart of downtown Winnipeg to continue to be a place of gathering, learning and reflection for generations to come.”
The Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park Endowment Fund will be managed by The Winnipeg Foundation as part of Manitoba’s broader Provincial Parks Endowment Fund initiative that was launched earlier this spring with an initial provincial investment of $20 million, the premier noted.
“Provincial parks have helped Manitobans through the stress and anxiety of the pandemic. They have been safe spaces to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature and safely explore our beautiful province with family and friends,” said Guillemard. “Our government is aware of the many the physical and mental health benefits that our provincial parks offer. Today’s announcement will ensure Upper Fort Garry continues to be a vibrant tourist attraction, important meeting place and educational opportunity for Manitobans and visitors alike for years to come.”
The Manitoba Provincial Parks Endowment Fund encourages private and philanthropic contributions and enables the province to follow the wishes of generous donors who want to leave a legacy of support for Manitoba’s parks, the premier and minister noted.
As a lasting legacy in commemoration of Manitoba’s 150th, the Manitoba 150 Host Committee is donating $100,000 to the new Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park Endowment Fund to help ensure this unique downtown Winnipeg park is preserved and enjoyed for many years to come.
“As our Manitoba150 activities conclude, we are honoured to assist the Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park with an investment that will ensure the preservation of Manitoba’s cultural history and legacy,” said Stuart Murray, co-chair, Manitoba150 Host Committee.
“An endowment fund has been on the organization agenda for some time so it is with great thanks and appreciation that we acknowledge Manitoba 150 and the Province of Manitoba for supporting the organization’s efforts,” said Charles Loewen, chair, Friends of Upper Fort Garry. “Theestablishment of an endowment fund in the name of Upper Fort Garry will make a difference in the effort to bring long-term viability to the organization’s work in the preservation of the park as the birthplace of Manitoba in 1870. We invite all Manitobans to enjoy their special park – Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park.”
More information on Manitoba’s provincial parks is available at www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/.
Manitobans can also stay up to date with provincial parks news, activities and events on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MBGovParksand on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGovParks.
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