Exchange District - Arts, Culture, and History
Explore the National Historic Site in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
We can not forget the artistic culture of Winnipeg and in the Exchange. Arts festivals and graffiti competitions are held within the Exchange District every year. (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
How is the Artistic Culture Expressed Here?
We cannot forget the artistic culture of Winnipeg. In the Exchange District, arts festivals and graffiti competitions are held every year.
1919 General Strike Memorial (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
A Memorial for an Impressive Event
The 1919 General Strike involved more than 30,000 employees going on strike and it lasted about six weeks -- two strikers lost their lives. Commemorative plaques are placed at the end of the alley to ensure that this event is not forgotten.
Hell's alley - the main alley where the General Stirke happened. This was the largest strike of history with 30,000 strikers over 3 weeks. (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
What is Hell's Alley?
Hell’s alley was the scene of the most intense fighting. Now the alley has new condos lining parts of it. The alley is now used as a market space during the summer.
The James Pump Station (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
When the Equipment Can't Fit Through Regular Doors...
James Avenue Pumping Station was built in 1906. It pumped water throughout the city to fire hydrants. The state-of-the-art machinery was imported from England. Construction of the building was done around the machinery because it was so big. It operated from 1906-1986.
Character defining machinery inside the pump station. (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
What is Character Defining about the Pumping Station?
The character defining machinery has been conserved while creating new uses for the spaces around it.
New office spaces in the pump station allow creative companies to work here. (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
New Uses for Old Space
Additional floors were built in the interior to accommodate new spaces and uses, such as offices and a gym area. A new restaurant is being built on the ground floor.
A stairwell in the building provides a view of the new spaces and massive old machinery. (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Allowing Visitors to See the History of the Building
A stairwell through the building provides a view of the new spaces juxtaposed with the old, massive machinery.
Ghost signs that are protected throughout the Exchange District as a piece of history. (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
What are the Ghost signs of the Exchange District?
These are the old painted advertising signs of the companies that occupied the buildings. These signs are municipally protected. Once a layer of paint fades, then another layer emerges beneath to reveal another piece of the past.
Exchande District BIZ historical tours (2017) by Exchange District BIZICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
How to Keep the Stories Alive
The Interpretation Strategy of 1999 phase 1 initiated tours of the area to help visitors and locals understand the lush history of the place. This has been a great addition to the protection of the history of the Exchange. 4000 people attended 388 walking tours in 2019.
Some restaurants honnor the history of warehouses by naming themselves after the original use of the space such as the Saddlery Restobar (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
How Are Current Businesses Helping with Heritage?
Some restaurants honour the history of warehouses by naming themselves after the original use of the space such as the Saddlery Restobar.
Plaques are sprinkled throughout the district to tell the history of the buildings and spaces (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Look for the Historic Winnipeg Plaques
Plaques are sprinkled throughout the district to tell the history of the buildings and spaces.
Historic map of Winnipeg along the Red River (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Historical Buildings and Resources Committee
This committee advises City Council on heritage issues and policies, evaluates heritage resources, regulates alterations to designated buildings, and administers programs that provide financial assistance for conservation initiatives.
Arthur and Albert Intersection during the Art Exhibit Program (2018) by Mike PetersICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Sensitive New Construction
New construction proposals need to be carefully considered before they are approved. Working with the City of Winnipeg and Heritage Winnipeg to ensure sensitive construction within heritage districts is good conservation practice.
Royal Albert Arms Hotel constructed in 1913. (2020-03-20) by Larissa IdeICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Experience the History Yourself
These exhibits are a small glimpse of the Exchange District which consists of 20 city blocks within downtown Winnipeg. You need to visit this place to experience all the history that it has to offer. Lots of work goes into protecting historic places like this.
Discover More
Exchange District Compendium
Red River College, Princess Street Campus
Exchange District – Modern Historic Buildings
Exchange District – Bank Buildings
ICOMOS Canada and Carleton University
Exchange District BIZ - More on the Exchange District BIZ
Heritage Winnipeg - More on Heritage Winnipeg
City of Winnipeg
See the other exhibits on the Exchange District
