December 17, 2021
Manitoba Government Invests $350,000 to Support Restoration and Preservation of Captain Kennedy Heritage House
– – –Funding Supports First Phase of Restoration of Historic Building, Tourist Attraction: Guillemard, Cox
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The Manitoba government is investing $350,000 to support the first phase of the Kennedy House Restoration Project, an initiative to address structural concerns and preserve and maintain heritage elements of the historic building in River Road Provincial Heritage Park, Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced today.
“Our government is proud to have made record investments in the restoration, conservation and long-term sustainability of our province’s designated heritage sites, recognizing their important roles in promoting the understanding and appreciation of Manitoba’s rich and diverse history now and for years to come,” said Guillemard. “A fascinating structure from a bygone era, Kennedy House has stood the test of time and long been a popular tourist attraction, impressive in its architecture and historical significance.”
Constructed of rocks quarried from the banks of the nearby Red River, the two-storey building in the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews features a Gothic Revival style, unlike most of the area’s other stone homes that were built with a Georgian design during the Red River Settlement. One of only seven stone houses remaining along the Red River, Kennedy House had attracted many visitors to its tea house and Red River House Museum until structural concerns prompted the closure of the building in 2015.
“Built in 1866, Kennedy House was the home of William Kennedy, a prominent Métis leader in the settlement of Western Canada,” said Cox. “Today’s funding will allow the first phase of restoration to move forward in the new year, providing the structural upgrades that will ensure this marvelous building can continue to be a safe and intriguing site where area residents and visitors alike can explore our province’s heritage.”
The initial phase of the restoration will involve structural repairs to the foundation and lower level of the building, and is expected to be complete this spring.
Information on subsequent phases of the restoration project will be made available in 2022.
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