Key Takeaways
- The Government of Canada is providing $400,000 over two years, beginning in 2026–27, to support the Saint-Boniface heritage project.
- The funding will support the preservation and accessibility of the heritage building and help expand cultural programming connected with its 175th anniversary.
- Completed in 1851, the building is recognized as Winnipeg’s oldest building and is an important part of the city's cultural heritage.
Canada Announces $400,000 Heritage Investment
The Government of Canada has announced $400,000 in funding for a project marking the 175th anniversary of the heritage building that houses Le Musée de Saint-Boniface.
The investment will be distributed over two years starting in the 2026–27 fiscal year.
The funding is intended to preserve the historic site, make it more welcoming and accessible, and expand the museum's cultural programming.
Saint-Boniface Building Dates Back to 1851
The heritage building was completed in 1851.
Since then, it has served as a convent, hospital, hospice and school. Today, it is a gathering place where visitors can discover the heritage of Francophone, Métis and First Nations communities in Manitoba.
The building is recognized as Winnipeg's oldest building, giving the anniversary celebrations particular historical significance for the city and the province.
Funding Will Support Preservation
A major focus of the federal investment is preservation.
The funding will help support the continued preservation of the Saint-Boniface heritage site as it reaches its 175th anniversary.
The project is funded through the Legacy Fund component of the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program.
Accessibility Is Also a Key Focus
The project will also support accessibility improvements.
The funding is intended to make the heritage building more welcoming and accessible to visitors.
The investment therefore combines heritage preservation with efforts to improve access to the site.
Cultural Programming Will Be Expanded
The federal funding will also support expanded cultural programming.
Renovated spaces will allow the museum to host exhibitions, performances, screenings, outdoor installations and artist residencies.
The project will also encourage participation by community members, artists and heritage experts from the region.
Why the 175th Anniversary Matters
The anniversary marks 175 years since the building's construction was completed in 1851.
The project will recognize the building's history while supporting work to preserve it for future generations.
The federal investment will help support activities surrounding this milestone.
Saint-Boniface Has an Important Place in Winnipeg's Heritage
The building has played an important role in the history of St. Boniface and Winnipeg's cultural heritage since 1851.
The museum's heritage building is a gathering place that helps preserve and share the histories of Francophone, Métis and First Nations communities in Manitoba.
Supporting the building therefore contributes to the preservation of Winnipeg's cultural heritage.
Federal Support for Heritage Sites
The investment is being provided through the Legacy Fund component of the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program.
The fund supports projects involving the restoration, renovation or transformation of existing buildings or exterior spaces with local community significance that are intended for community use.
The Saint-Boniface project combines preservation, accessibility and programming.
What Happens Next?
The $400,000 investment will support the project over two years beginning in 2026–27.
The renovated spaces are intended to expand the museum's programming, including exhibitions, performances, screenings, outdoor installations and artist residencies.
The project will also foster community participation and involve artists and heritage experts from the region.
TwikUp Insight
The federal government's $400,000 investment supports preservation and accessibility work at a landmark completed in 1851 and recognized as Winnipeg's oldest building.
Its 175th anniversary project will also enable Le Musée de Saint-Boniface to expand cultural programming in renovated spaces, while continuing to share the heritage of Francophone, Métis and First Nations communities in Manitoba.