Feasibility study to begin for downtown Winnipeg church at risk of collapse

The interior of Holy Trinity Anglican Church on May 26, 2024. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News Winnipeg)

An agreement signed by the CentreVenture Development Corporation will study the possibility of restoring Holy Trinity Anglican Church, which needs an estimated $7.2 million in repairs due to significant structural issues.

A memorandum of understanding to fund a feasibility study on the 140-year-old church in downtown Winnipeg was signed Friday.

“Heritage buildings are a unique asset to our downtown,” said Rochelle Squires, CEO of CentreVenture, in a news release. “Each one tells a unique and rich story about our shared history. We are proud to support Holy Trinity as it begins this important restoration.”

The church, located on Smith Street, opened in 1884 and has been designated a National Historic Sight of Canada and a Protected Historical Building. It was threatened with demolition in May 2024.

“Holy Trinity is a landmark of Winnipeg’s history and a key piece of our downtown,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said in a statement. “Supporting this restoration is part of our broader effort to renew the heart of the city and make it a place where people want to live, work and invest.”

CentreVenture said it will pay for up to 50 per cent for the first phase of the study, which will monitor the building, assess the current condition, and create a preliminary design of a new foundation.