Saint-Boniface Landmark Nearing Restoration Goal as Community Rallies Behind Spring Fundraiser

As Winnipeg residents prepare their gardens, patios, and balconies for another summer season, one of Manitoba’s most cherished historic landmarks is asking the community to help finish something much bigger than a flower bed. Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum has launched a spring plant fundraiser that organizers hope will help push a decades-old community treasure across the finish line of an ambitious restoration campaign.

The fundraising effort represents the latest chapter in a remarkable story of community support that has already brought the project within sight of its goal. According to the organization, the total cost of restoring the historic building, replacing aging infrastructure, repairing the roof, upgrading windows, and installing a new boiler system is estimated at approximately $5 million. While that number initially appeared daunting, support from all three levels of government, private donors, community fundraising campaigns, and numerous in-kind contributions has helped raise roughly $4 million to date.

That leaves approximately $1 million remaining before the restoration campaign can be considered complete. Rather than slowing down as the finish line approaches, supporters appear determined to close the gap and ensure the historic structure can continue serving future generations. The spring plant sale is being viewed as another opportunity for the public to become part of a project that extends far beyond bricks and mortar.

Located at 494 Taché Avenue, the former Grey Nuns’ Convent is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Western Canada. Constructed between 1844 and 1851, the landmark has witnessed the growth of Saint-Boniface, the development of Manitoba, and the evolution of Winnipeg itself. For generations, it has served as a place where history, culture, language, and community come together under one roof.

The historic site temporarily closed in 2024 to allow major restoration work to proceed safely and efficiently. Since then, operations have continued from temporary premises at the former Saint-Boniface City Hall while crews work to preserve the building’s structural integrity and modernize key systems. Although visitors may currently find the organization in a different location, the long-term objective has never changed: bringing this important piece of Manitoba history back to life.

The latest fundraiser allows residents to purchase plants for their homes while contributing directly to the restoration effort. It is a simple concept with a meaningful impact. Community members beautify their own outdoor spaces while helping preserve a heritage asset that has been part of Winnipeg’s story for nearly two centuries.

What makes this campaign particularly compelling is how close it is to success. Raising $4 million is no small achievement, especially in an era when charitable organizations face increasing competition for donations and sponsorship support. The progress already made demonstrates the deep appreciation many people have for preserving historic places and ensuring future generations can experience them firsthand.

There is also an important date looming on the horizon. This September, the building will celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 175 years of existence. Few structures in Manitoba can claim such a rich and enduring history. The anniversary will provide an opportunity not only to reflect on the past, but also to celebrate the collective effort that has helped safeguard the landmark for the future.

With restoration work continuing and fundraising momentum building, many supporters are optimistic that the remaining dollars will be secured before long. There is something fitting about a community coming together to ensure that a 175-year-old treasure enters its next chapter on strong footing. If the last several years have proven anything, it is that Winnipeggers understand the value of preserving their history, and they are willing to invest in ensuring it remains part of the city’s future.

For those looking to refresh their gardens this spring, the fundraiser offers an opportunity to do more than plant flowers. It offers the chance to help complete one of Winnipeg’s most important heritage restoration projects and play a small role in preserving a landmark that has stood watch over the community for generations.