Archives Strategy

Be part of the future of the City of Winnipeg Archives

Your feedback on the archival program and facility options was used to ensure the priorities of the public are captured and understood by the Public Service prior to making recommendations for addressing the facility and program recommendations for the Archives.

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The stories of Winnipeg and its citizens are told in the records and artifacts managed by the City of Winnipeg’s Archives, and we want all residents to be inspired to explore our history. The City’s archival collection is unique and irreplaceable and includes minutes, by-laws, maps, photographs, drawings, and artifacts.

To ensure long-term preservation and access to these irreplaceable items, the City is exploring facility options to address the storage and preservation needs for its growing archival collection, to allow enough space for its programming, and to create an accessible space that allows Winnipeggers to continue to have access to records and conduct research.

Stakeholder input, facility and programming needs, and costs are being considered in the development of a long-term, sustainable solution in the Archives Strategy.

Background

The Archives and Records Control Branch (Branch) is responsible for managing the City of Winnipeg’s (City) records and archives. The Branch currently operates out of two leased facilities: its Corporate Records Centre is located in the Inkster Industrial Park and is used to store all inactive or semi-active administrative records; while its archival collection is stored at 50 Myrtle St.

The archival collection was previously housed at the former Carnegie Library, located at 380 William Ave. However, damage to the building during renovations and maintenance resulting from major rainstorms in 2013 meant that the collection and operations had to be relocated. The facility is currently not being used, and requires significant funding to re-develop it for the archives. The City is currently reviewing possible uses for the building.

The facility at 50 Myrtle St. was intended as a short-term solution, and is not well-suited for archival storage and programming. The Corporate Records Centre will continue to be used for administrative records, but is not suitable for the archival collection.

Through the Archives Strategic Development Plan, the City is exploring facility options to address the storage and preservation needs for its growing archival collection, to allow enough space for its programming, and to create an accessible space that allows Winnipeggers to continue to have access to records and conduct research.

A consultant was asked to conduct a jurisdictional scan of like-sized archives, consult with stakeholders, identify program needs and space requirements, and identify options and financial projections for securing and adapting a facility for the archives.

To support the review of options for the facility, additional work was done to update the specifications, designs, and construction costs for re-developing 380 William Ave for the archives.

In fall 2021, the Public Service prepared recommendations for the future of the archival collection and program and submitted recommendations for Council’s consideration of the project and funding.