Winnipeg Deconstruction

[rgalston]

Who says the 60s are over?

From: "Gerbasi, Jenny" <JGerbasi@winnipeg.ca>
Subject: Heritage Building Alert!!!!
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 11:51:31 -0600

Dear Friends,

I wanted to advise you there is a very serious concern for the integrity of our major National Historic Site: the Exchange District.

There has been a request from a developer to demolish 38-44 ½ Albert Street with the plan of a surface parking lot and restaurant patio and a curb cut right out onto Albert St.

I am deeply troubled that anyone would consider putting in a surface parking lot and removing heritage buildings in the heart of one of the most important Heritage areas in Canada and certainly in Winnipeg. This would have a very negative impact on the integrity of the streetscape and the heritage character of the area. This could also be the thin edge of the wedge if the decision goes in favour of the developer. It opens the door to many more such requests which could have a devastating impact. The potential fallout is not only a heartbreaking loss of our heritage and character as a city but also would have a negative economic impact as it would affect the film industry and diminish the investment into the area from the city and surrounding businesses .


The Historic Buildings Committee (HBC) has recommended that the buildings be Designated as Grade III Historical Buildings. The follwing link (cut and paste): http://citynet/clerksdmis/documents/...0july%2025.pdf

will lead you to the Heritage Planners Report and a letter from myself as the Chair of Historic Buildings Committee explaining the history of the buildings and the reasons for the recommendations to designate them.


CURRENT STATUS OF DECISION:

The Lord-Selkirk-West Kildonan Community Committee voted AGAINST the historic designation. Councillor Mike O’Shaughnessy supported the historic designation but Councillors Pagtakhan and Lazarenko voted against it.


The Property and Development Committee will consider the issue at it’s meeting and make a recommendation for City Council. The meeting is expected to be on January 9th at 9:00 AM at City Hall. If you are interested in registering to speak to the matter, please contact Carol Freeman at 986 3157 or cfreeman@winnipeg.ca

If a recommendation goes forward from there it would be at Council on January 24 at 9:30 AM.

I urge you to contact your Councillor and Councillors on the Property Committee which are: Justin Swandel, Russ Wyatt, Dan Vandal and Scott Fielding to let them know your concerns. There is still hope that Councillors will reconsider the decision of Community Committee so any actions from the public could be very helpful.

Thank you for your interest!

Cheers!

Jenny

p.s.
Here is an excerpt from the report with the reasons why the HBC thinks it should be designated:
The Historical Buildings Committee recommends that that this property is significant and should
not be demolished for the following reasons:

1. This complex includes portions of a residential building that dates back to 1878. This is
the second oldest building in downtown Winnipeg after Upper Fort Garry Gate. The
brick dwelling was built for John Le Cappellain, owner of a hardware business and
former City alderman.

2. This portion of Albert Street was an early residential district in the 1870s and this house
is the sole surviving example of this use.

3. The designation of the Exchange District by the Government of Canada as a National
Historic Site in 1996 places a responsibility on the City to try to keep all significant and
contributing structures protected and intact for all Canadians.

4. This complex is part of a significant streetscape that provides continuity and character to
the Exchange District. The demolition of this property for a parking lot would detract
from the City’s investments in the surrounding properties. The City’s aim is to maintain
a delightful visual expanse that has been recognized by the international film industry.