Winnipeg, MB – Today, the Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg, The Winnipeg Foundation, TD Bank Group, Arbor Day Foundation, Downtown Winnnipeg BIZ, and members of the community celebrated the Main and Henry Community Space. The newly developed space is located next to Circle of Life Thunderbird House and Amoowigamig, the public washroom at 715 Main St. Attendees also participated in medicine planting to complete the new gathering space and honour its connection to Circle of Life Thunderbird House.
The Main and Henry Community Space includes a paved concrete plaza, gathering space with seating and picnic tables, upgraded lighting to improve safety, trees to provide shade, planters and beds for medicinal plants, and illuminated story markers that share Indigenous teachings. The community space will complete the public washroom project, which opened to the public in May 2023. The area is meant to be a welcoming space for anyone in the community to gather, rest, or heal.
“The Main and Henry Community Space is a remarkable example of inclusivity and cultural celebration,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “By integrating Indigenous teachings and medicinal planting, this new area will enrich the community of Winnipeg and will foster connections among residents. We are proud to support projects like this that help build spaces that bring people together to celebrate a shared heritage.”
"The opening of the Main and Henry Community Space is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to create welcoming, inclusive environments for all members of the community,” said Councillor Vivian Santos, Point Douglas. “Situated next to the Circle of Life Thunderbird House and Amoowigamig, this space is more than just a place to gather—it’s a symbol of healing, connection, and community spirit. With the medicine planting today, we honor the deep cultural roots of this land and provide a safe space for everyone to rest, reflect, and find peace."
“Main and Henry Community Space is an important project in our city, one The Winnipeg Foundation is proud to support,” said Sky Bridges, President and CEO, The Winnipeg Foundation. “The Foundation is committed to supporting community-led projects, and this welcoming and healing space, created by and for the community, will have far reaching, positive impacts.”
"We are honoured to have been part of this project that provides much needed gathering space and meets the needs of the community," says Kate Fenske, CEO, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. "Safe, vibrant and inclusive public spaces are critical for downtown's transformation. This project is a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together."
The Main and Henry Community Space project was made possible through funding from the Canada Community-Building Fund, The Winnipeg Foundation, City of Winnipeg, TD Bank Group, Arbor Day Foundation, and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. The budget for construction of the community space, along with the Indigenous Garden and tree planting, was approximately $567,000. The Winnipeg Foundation also provided $230,000 for design, consulting, community engagement, cultural gatherings, and key design features which will contribute to the longer-term vision for improving amenities in this area along Main Street.