Construction officially began today on a great new Manitoban tourist attraction. The Honourable Ron J. Duhamel, Senior Federal Minister for Manitoba, Honourable Greg Selinger, Manitoba Minister of Finance, and Mayor Glen Murray joined Guy Joubert, President of Festival du Voyageur, and Alfred Monnin, Honourary President of the Fundraising Committee, for the sod-turning ceremony at the Maison du Bourgeois.

The Maison du Bourgeois is being built inside Fort Gibraltar in Whittier Park, the heart of Festival du Voyageur. The historical replica will serve as a year-round educational and interpretive centre, providing space for meetings, conferences, banquets and cultural events. The original Maison du Bourgeois was the residence of the Bourgeois a partner in the North West Company who was responsible for the original Fort Gibraltar.

The Governments of Canada and Manitoba have contributed $600,000 to the project, through the Economic Development Partnership Agreement and the City of Winnipeg has contributed $245,000. The Canada Millennium Partnership Program contributed funding of $38,250 toward replicas of tools, equipment, furniture and costumes. The remainder of the $1.1 million costs will be raised through private donations.

"This project will have a significant impact on tourism in St. Boniface and fits in extremely well with other economic development initiatives in the area." said Minister Duhamel. "The all-season Maison du Bourgeois will mean year-round use of the existing facilities as well, providing an all-encompassing opportunity for education in a unique portion of Canadian history for both locals and visitors. The Government of Canada is pleased to support such an endeavour."

"Manitoba's francophone community should be proud that their history will be represented and interpreted in this exciting new facility," said Greg Selinger, Minister responsible for French Language Services, on behalf of Jean Friesen, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. "On behalf of The Manitoba Government, I congratulate all those who have worked so hard to make this venture a reality."

Guy Joubert, President of Festival du Voyageur was pleased to see the construction getting underway, "This project has been a long-held dream for many of the people involved with Festival du Voyageur. The history of the fur-trade in Canada, in particular the role of the voyageur, will be protected and shared with future generations."

"The rich traditions of Winnipeg's Voyageur and Metis peoples now have a permanent home, year round, in this unique setting," said Mayor Glen Murray. "Maison du Bourgeois is the very heart of francophone culture, not only in our city, but in all of Western Canada. The City of Winnipeg is honoured to partner is such an important initiative."

"The history of St. Boniface, and the evolution of our francophone community, is vital to Winnipeg's identity," said Councillor Daniel Vandal. "Maison du Bourgeois allows us to share that unique history with the wider community, in an engaging and vibrant manner. I would like to offer my personal congratulations to all involved in realizing this dream."

It is anticipated that construction of Maison du Bourgeois will be completed later this summer.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Normand Gousseau, Executive Director
Festival du Voyageur
(204) 237-7692