Walking tours impart a sense of place, history

Transcona

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This article was published 10/07/2024 (785 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dust off those walking shoes, local history buffs and art fans.

The Transcona Museum is hosting its annual series of walking tours this summer.

“The downtown has seen a lot of change over the years,” Alanna Horejda, museum curator, said. “The tours tell stories that people might not know. It’s a bit of storytelling, a bit of imagination, a bit of history. It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the summer. We want to help people explore the area, whether you live here or you’re exploring different areas of the city.”

On Thursday mornings, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Historic Downtown Transcona tours will take participants on a journey through Park City’s past.

“The history walking tour goes over the founding of the community, different businesses that have been here and different vents that have shaped the community,” Horejda said.

“We take our time. It’s a fairly large area, from the Cenotaph and back — through that core area. Today it’s a busy road, but it was the core area of Transcona. It’s interesting to see how life has changed.”

With Winnipeg celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the historic tour is particularly apt, Horejda added.

“Winnipeg wouldn’t be Winnipeg without Transcona,” she said.

Meanwhile, on Thursday afternoons, from 2 to 3:15 p.m., the Murals of Transcona tour will give participants a taste of contemporary art adorning the walls of local businesses within walking distance of the museum.

“There are some older, more original murals that date to the 1990s in Transcona, while a number of years ago the BIZ had newer murals put in,” Horejda said. “Art is about interpretation. It’s interesting listening to what the artist has said about it, how we view it, and the views of others, which can lead to real light bulb moments. Art makes you think about things, a lot of the murals are very colourful.”

The mural tour also provides a means to take time and appreciate what the community has before its too late.

“Murals tend to come and go, so we talk about some of the murals that aren’t here,” Horejda said.

“We can appreciate them now and hope they’ll be here, but things happen. We’ll celebrate them while they’re here.”

Cost of the tours is $5 for adults and seniors, $3 for youth between three and 17 years of age, while children under three are free. A 10 per cent discount is available for museum members. Guests are asked to register in advance, while payment will be collected in person before each tour begins. For more information, visit transconamuseum.mb.ca