Archived News Releases

October 22, 2002

In recognition of its historical value, the Timothy Eaton statue has been designated a protected provincial heritage object, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Eric Robinson announced today.

"Following the decision of the Eaton family to keep the legendary statue in Winnipeg, this designation acknowledges the role that the Timothy Eaton Company has played in the city's history," said Robinson. "Heritage protection of the monument will help ensure that it will be preserved for the enjoyment and edification of all Manitobans."

The Eaton family's ownership of the statue is being transferred to the province. Designation is primarily an honorary recognition which carries a commitment to ensure the monument is preserved in good condition for future generations to come.

Winnipeg's Timothy Eaton statue is one of two identical statues cast in 1919 to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of Timothy Eaton's first retail department store. Both were gifts to the Eaton family paid for by donations from Eaton's employees in Winnipeg and Toronto, the locations of the company's two main stores at the time.

The statue will remain in its current location at the north end of the Polo Park Shopping Centre until construction of the True North Entertainment Complex is complete. The statue will then be on display in the completed entertainment facility along with the Eaton's employee memorial war plaques.

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