Ottawa delivers nearly $2M for St. Boniface museum reno, promises more before election

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This article was published 25/02/2025 (250 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The federal government is providing more than $1.9 million to renovate Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum, with a promise of more to come before an election is called later this year.

The area’s Liberal MP, Dan Vandal, made the announcement Tuesday, but acknowledged it was “not enough” to provide the scope of repairs the museum needs, and said another announcement would be coming before an election is called.

“As much as we’re going to be proud of that, we know that that’s not enough, which is why we need other governments to step up,” he said.

The first major infrastructure project at the museum since 1991 involves strengthening the roof structure, upgrading energy systems, restoring windows, replacing damaged exterior finishes, refurbishing the lobby and reception area, resurfacing the floor and building an accessibility ramp.

Work began in June and is expected to be completed in 2026, in time for celebrations marking the 175th anniversary of the building’s completion.

The project will also be a chance to bring the facility up to speed with other museums in the province, said Serge Balcaen, the board’s chair.

The museum’s square footage will be re-distributed to ensure exhibitions have the space they need and also open up rooms that could be rented as meeting spaces or places for other revenue-generating projects.

“It’s kind of getting with the times, right?” Balcaen said.

“We see meetings at the human rights museum, at all other museums, they have spaces for the community to come… we’ve got to get with the times, and it was long overdue, but it’s an exciting project.”

Fundraising for the museum began in June with a $300,000 contribution from the city.

“I think it’s particularly meaningful to the French community of Manitoba, it’s also important and meaningful in terms of economic development and tourism,” area city councillor Matt Allard said.

The federal funding is through the Community Spaces Fund component of the Official Languages Support Programs.

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca