[originally posted in French] - The Civic Square, a precious symbol

219 Provencher Boulevard was built and paid for by the citizens of the City of Saint-Boniface. When Saint-Boniface amalgamated with Winnipeg, City Hall and the Fire Hall were part of the property and assets that our community contributed to the City of Winnipeg as part of the amalgamation. For many years, City Hall in Saint-Boniface remained an important location for the delivery of civic services to the community. I clearly remember paying my bills and attending meetings of the Riel Community Committee at 219 Provencher Boulevard. Since then, and despite the City of Winnipeg’s new charter guaranteeing the right to French language services in our neighbourhood, there has been an erosion in the quality and accessibility of civic services in French for the citizens of St. Boniface.

The Civic Square at 219 Provencher Boulevard has historical, linguistic and cultural value for the citizens of the city, if not the province. The City of Winnipeg has a responsibility to maintain these community properties and assets and not simply get rid of them because it deems them "surplus".