WINNIPEG, MB – The three levels of government today announced more than $800,000 in funding from the tripartite Winnipeg Partnership Agreement (WPA) towards Portage Commons, The University of Winnipeg’s new landscaped urban public green space on the front lawn of Wesley Hall.
Following an extensive campus and community consultation process, Portage Commons was designed by landscape architect Jeff Frank of Hilderman Thomas Frank Cram Landscape Architects to add important public green space to our urban environment, give the university community and its neighbours a place to sit and enjoy the outdoors and provide year-round recreational opportunities for members of the surrounding community.
“Public engagement in the design process has been an integral part of the development of Portage Commons,” said University of Winnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Lloyd Axworthy. “Our urban green space along Portage Avenue and Spence Street belongs to all citizens of Winnipeg and is a place where the university community, the neighbourhood and the city can gather and are welcome to do so. We thank the Government of Canada, the Manitoba Government and the City of Winnipeg for supporting the creation of an important green space for people who work, study and live in downtown Winnipeg.”
“The landscaping and pedestrian improvements we are unveiling today will transform the University of Winnipeg campus from Wesley Hall through Spence Street to Ellice Avenue, into a pedestrian friendly corridor,” said Manitoba Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton. “Complete with public space, green space, community services and commercial outlets, students, staff and area residents will benefit from the neighbourhood revitalization.”
Ecological sustainability was integrated by Frank into the landscape plan through the use of indigenous plants; preservation of stately American elms and planting of additional trees to provide shade and act as wind sponge; solar lighting; and reuse of paving stones and other materials. Along the west side of Wesley Hall, a new activity plaza promotes healthy living activities such as basketball and street hockey, and can also be used for programmed events such as markets, fairs, performances, student and community gatherings. Electrical and lighting upgrades are also incorporated into the design to encourage performance events to be centred in Portage Commons.
“Portage Commons will enhance students’ and visitors’ experiences at the University of Winnipeg by offering a vital and safe downtown area for all to enjoy,” said Rod Bruinooge Member of Parliament for Winnipeg-South, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “The Government of Canada supports investments that contribute to urban revitalization. This pedestrian friendly corridor is creating a fresh, new public space in Winnipeg’s downtown, complete with green space, community services and commercial outlets that will serve the University and the community while improving quality of life.”
“Creating a more people-friendly environment is an important way to make our downtown a welcoming and safe place,” said Councillor Harvey Smith on behalf of Mayor Sam Katz, City of Winnipeg. “Several City of Winnipeg departments have worked closely with the University of Winnipeg to help make Portage Commons a reality.”
“The intent was to open the street up to the community and welcome everyone to The University of Winnipeg and the green space in front of Wesley Hall,” said Jeff Frank. “We’ve created a variety of ‘spaces’ each with its own charcter. We have a combination of of shady places, sunny places and ledge seating on all the walls and planters so people can perch wherever they please. Portage Commons is multi-use and inviting.”
Portage Commons will serve as one of the main venues for activities celebrating the University’s 40th Anniversary Homecoming & Reunion Weekend from Sept. 13 – 16, 2007. One of those events is the Charter Day Picnic on Sat. Sept. 15, 2007 from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. in the Clearsight Tent featuring a performance by UWinnipeg alumnus and children’s entertainer Fred Penner (BA ’70), as well as sports activities and face painting for children. Admission is free and open to the whole community. For more information on Homecoming 2007, please visit http://40th.uwinnipeg.ca
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Located in the heart of downtown, The University of Winnipeg is a compact, diverse, multi-cultural academic community committed to access and excellence. Home to more than 9,200 full- and part-time students, UWinnipeg has been ranked by our graduates in the Top-10 of all Canadian universities when asked about their “Entire Educational Experience” (MacLean’s Graduate Survey, June 2006). The Globe & Mail Report Card 2006 gives the University of Winnipeg an overall “A” grade in the areas of quality of education, teaching quality, class sizes, faculty-student interaction and the availability of faculty outside of classroom hours. Find out why. Visit www.uwinnipeg.ca.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ilana Simon, Communications Officer, University of Winnipeg
P: 204.786.9930, C: 204.782.3279, E: i.simon@uwinnipeg.ca
