Walking tour coming to Garden City

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/06/2020 (1095 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When exploring the architecture of a suburb such as Garden City, is there really anything to see?

The Winnipeg Architecture Foundation (WAF) and local residents such as myself certainly think so. In recent years, the WAF has engaged in historical and architectural research to use for public programs such as walking tours, books and exhibits. The WAF recently completed tours for the south Winnipeg suburbs of Niakwa Park and Windsor Park. In 2020, it is looking north and actively researching a tour of the Garden City area.

Did you know Garden City is one Canada’s best examples of a neighbourhood built in the mid-century modern architectural style?

Not only do we have one of the most unique neighbourhoods in Winnipeg but the style of our area is coveted around the world. You may already be familiar with a lot of the hallmark features of the mid-century modern style in our neighbourhood: sloped roof lines, wide frontage lots and custom brick detailing. Many homes in Garden City retain many original features, such as rich wood panelling and concrete breeze block fences or walls.

Garden City was developed starting in 1955 as a master-planned community in the former city of West Kildonan. Our neighbourhood was developed by Model Homes Ltd. and cost a reported $20 million (the equivalent of $200 million today). Unique features, such as larger homes with above-average square footage and local parks on almost every street, are still popular with residents and home buyers today. The developer of Garden City was a visionary and almost 70 years later our neighbourhood retains a unique charm and appeal.

The WAF is a charitable organization striving to educate the public on Winnipeg’s incredible architecture landscape. This summer, the WAF’s Zelda Kynman will research and photograph buildings in the Garden City area.

They are looking for photographs, drawings and advertising material from the start of the Garden City suburb. Of particular value are brochures advertising home designs and listing contractors and other suppliers, as well as photographs of the houses and streets when first opened.

If you have material that you are willing to lend, or information about your house and street, the WAF would love to hear from you.

Please send me an email or contact WAF at waf@shaw.ca or via their website at www.winnipegarchitecture.ca

I think it is important that we preserve Garden City’s rich history and support the valuable research being done by the WAF. I look forward to sharing more details once more research is complete.

Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com