Winnipeg, MB – Today, Mayor Scott Gillingham and City Archivist Konrad Krahn closed the Winnipeg 150 time capsule to mark the conclusion of Winnipeg 150. The time capsule will be stored at the City’s Archives until it is opened for the City’s 200th Anniversary in 2074.
The time capsule includes letters from dignitaries, items documenting Winnipeg 150 activities, and other items and records that give a glimpse into Winnipeg at this moment in time.
“Sealing the Winnipeg 150 time capsule is a meaningful way to reflect on the remarkable year we’ve had and to look toward the future,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “We send it forward with the hope that future generations will see this moment as one of pride, progress, and possibility. Our celebration of 150 years as a city was not just about looking back on our history but about laying the foundation for the Winnipeg of the future.”
In addition to closing the time capsule, Mayor Gillingham took time to recognize the Winnipeg Foundation’s contributions to Winnipeg 150 and the redevelopment of the City Archives Building.
In November of 2023, the Winnipeg Foundation approved funding for the City of Winnipeg to help celebrate its 150 milestone, granting $1 million between 2024 and 2025 for the following projects:
- $500,000 to support the redevelopment of the City Archives Building (with a focus on truth and reconciliation),
- $350,000 in grants to Arts and Culture sector organizations for projects that enhance community belonging and connection, and
- $150,000 grant to the City of Winnipeg to support the Winnipeg 150 Community Celebration Grant program which was launched in November 2023 and awarded to 12 organizations in 2024.
“We join all Winnipeggers in congratulating the City of Winnipeg on its 150th celebration and in supporting its efforts to create a new City Archives that will be accessible for all,” said Winnipeg Foundation President and CEO Sky Bridges. “The new archives will help us walk together on our collective journey of sharing the truth and moving towards reconciliation.”
Council approved $12.69 million of funding in the 2023 and 2024 budgets to begin work on the renovation of the former Carnegie Library, located at 380 William Avenue, so it can once again serve as the City’s Archives Building. An additional $6.6 million of funding is included in the preliminary 2025 budget. Once completed, this Winnipeg 150 legacy project will help ensure the long-term preservation of the City’s growing archival collection, and will provide enhanced space for future programming.
For more information on Winnipeg 150 visit winnipeg.ca/150years.