St. Boniface marks milestone event
By Matthew Powers Aug. 7, 2008 |
Standing on the steps of St. Boniface City Hall on May 1, boys dressed as news hawkers made a very important announcement.
“Extra! Extra!” they yelled. “Today St. Boniface turns 100 years old!”
Indeed, the city of St. Boniface was incorporated in 1908, so during its centennial year the people of Winnipeg’s French Quarter have plenty of reason to celebrate.
Winnipeg mayor Sam Katz announced that the City has committed $1 million to legacy projects meant to promote the French character in the entire Riel ward.
“As Winnipeggers, we have the good fortune to experience the architecture, culture, tradition, and passion that encompasses St. Boniface every day,” Katz said.
“With that good fortune comes the responsibility to preserve this community as a significant part of this city’s legacy and of Canadian heritage.”
The new additions to the area will be the a sculpture garden at St. Boniface City Hall, the creation of the Elzear Goulet Park on Tache Avenue, the launch of a new children’s splash park in Provencher Park and funding to facilitate the illumination of Provencher Boulevard.
“These intersecting projects will be a lasting reminder of Celebration de Saint-Boniface,” said Normand Gousseau of the Riel Economic Development Council.
“We are reliving a renaissance with construction on the rise and a new generation of entrepreneurs opening their doors on Provencher Blvd.
“Elsewhere in St. Boniface this investment will surely help in attracting other business people and help us bring our vision of the French Quarter to fruition.”
Included in the day’s celebration was the launch of local author Joanne Therrien’s new book, St. Boniface.
“The book is a reflection of my passion for St. Boniface and of Manitoban communities,” Therrien said.
“It is a short read but with a lot of information based on research from interviews I had with different people and contains many photographs, both old and new.”
The infusion of events and activities announced outside of St. Boniface City Hall brought about many whistles and cheers from the crowd, which were warmly welcomed by Monique LaCoste, event coordinator for Celebration de Saint-Boniface
“It’s true the dream held by the city leaders in 1908 lasted only 65 years,” LaCoste said, referring to the ‘Unicity’ plan that led to the creation of metropolitan Winnipeg in 1970. “St. Boniface is no longer a city, but despite many pressures over time, St. Boniface has never lost its soul.”
