Saving Upper Fort Garry

Many years ago, almost 20, some very imaginative people had a vision that was both visionary and creative and contentious. They dreamed of a new meeting place at the Forks, at the historic junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in Downtown Winnipeg.

Very few would have envisioned what it has become and what it means to Winnipeg today. The Forks is Winnipeg's number one tourist attraction as well as an extremely busy and popular meeting place for Winnipeggers and Manitobans alike.

This wonderful local continues to offer new and exciting elements. Last year North America's premier urban skateboarding park opened. In 2002 another contentious but ultima tely hugely successful, The Esplanade Riel Bridge opened, joining historic St. Boniface to the Forks. 8 years ago the beautiful Can West baseball park opened and proceeded to become the home of North America's most successful independent baseball team.

Expected in 2010 is the shining jewel of the Forks, The Canadian Museum of Human Rights. This incredible facility will become the most important museum of its kind, the worlds' foremost human rights museum.

None of this would have happened if not for the incredible foresight of a few visionaries in 1988. That is why it is so important to reconsider the decision to divide the historic Upper Fort Garry Gate into a dual residential, commercial/historic site project.

Rather than give in to the short-sighted monetary aspects consider the historic nature of the site and how easily and simply it could become part of The Forks renaissance. This is a natural extension to the Forks. We must not lose this opportunity.

Think you can make a difference? Contact your local city councilor, or Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg.