The Leaf – A rendering of the proposed 6000 square meter facility.
Winnipeg has sprouted another new leaf in its tree of exciting adventures and attractions adding to the many reasons to love Winnipeg.
On Fri. Sep. 25 The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce hosted the unveiling of Canada’s Diversity Gardens by The Assiniboine Park Conservancy. This is the final major phase of the $200 million dollar redevelopment campaign to revitalize and rejuvenate Assiniboine Park and ultimately Winnipeg.
“Canada’s Diversity Gardens will be one of the most stunning attractions in Canada,” said Margaret Redmond, President & CEO, Assiniboine Park Conservancy.
“Indoors and outdoors, it will represent a fresh take on the blending of culture, diversity, plant collections, horticulture displays and community gathering space all in one location,” she added.
Hartley Richardson and Margaret Redmond unveil Canada’s Diversity Gardens – Mediterranean Biome. PHOTO: Bryan Sullivan
“This is going to be like nothing else people have ever seen,” said Hartley Richardson, Chair, Board of Directors and Campaign Chair, Assiniboine Park Conservancy.
“The wow factor will be tremendous. You’re going to walk in and experience something you’d likely have to go somewhere else in the world to see, and it’s going to be here in Winnipeg,” he said.
The Leaf at Canada’s Diversity Garden – Winter Garden Display.
There are four main cornerstones to Canada’s Diversity Gardens with the main centerpiece called “The Leaf”, an architecturally brilliant 6000 plus square meter facility offering a multi season experience promising to be a one of a kind experience in North America featuring climate controlled biomes that immerse the visitors into Mediterranean, Dessert, Tropical and Sub Tropical climates.
The Leaf will be surrounded by interactive gardens from the Indigenous Peoples’ Garden, where visitors will learn about indigenous perspectives, cultural practices and heritage.
In addition, there is planned a Cultural Mosaic Garden which will be an ornamental horticultural masterpiece and celebrate immigrants from climates similar to Canada. The Grove is where Canada’s Diversity Gardens will be an all season wonder of breath taking views through the seasons.
A Living Classroom featured at Canada’s Diversity Gardens.
The Leaf in Canada’s Diversity Gardens offers more than a great visitor experience but a living school to foster the year round learning of environmental programs by all ages and schools. Programs will focus on the role of plants on our future and daily human life, and our health and well being.
Butterfly House – A year round tropical paradise.
The beauty of Winnipeg is found in its diversity and The Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s new Canada’s Diversity Gardens will be a magical place enhancing Winnipeg as a tourist destination while providing local employment opportunities.
The price tag for this development is expected to reach around $70 million.
“The project could start as early as 2017 and be completed in 2019 depending on what funding they can secure,” said Redmond.
There is no amount that is too small and you can help by donating today. For more information contact, Rheo Catt, Director, Capital Campaign 204.927.6034 or rcatt@assiniboinepark.ca.
