Home is where the heart is
After leasing space on 5 Donald Street for the past 25 years, United Way has completed its move into a new building in the heart of Winnipeg's downtown.
Situated between Alexander and Pacific Avenues on Winnipeg's historic Main Street, the new location brings us closer to many of our community partners. We are also thrilled to be able to contribute to the revitalization of Winnipeg's core.
More information on renting the community space:
Main Floor Fact Sheet - Hot Desks Main Floor Fact Sheet - Meeting Rooms
Three things you may not know about the new United Way space:
No Annual Campaign Donations Used- Construction was funded through a stimulus grant from the Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada, with support from the City of Winnipeg and CentreVenture.
- What wasn't covered by grants was made up for by a small group of long-time United Way supporters.
- The building represents cost-savings to United Way based on comparable leasing options.
- The new building was designed to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, lowering operating costs AND helping the environment.
- The main floor houses a community learning centre.
- There's start-up space for not-for-profits and social entrepreneurs working towards self-sufficiency.
Relocation Information - Frequently Asked Questions | Available Parking
Thank You
United Way would like to specially acknowledge the following partners and supporters, without whom, our relocation would not have been possible:- Architect Ray Wan of Winnipeg and NovaCon Construction for completing the construction in record time
- Manitoba Hydro who supported this project financially, and also through the PowerSmart program
- MTS for their support in bringing to life the innovative and exciting new technology in this space
- The Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and City of Winnipeg CentreVenture who assembled and financially contributed to the acquisition of the land
- Cambrian Credit Union for assisting with short-term mortgage considerations
- And a small group of long-time United Way friends and committed Winnipeggers who covered costs associated with finishing and furnishing this wonderful asset to our community:
- Richard Brownscombe
- Jim Burns
- Dave Johnston
- Mike Nesbitt
- Derek Riley
- The Richardson Foundation
- Babs & Gail Asper for their financial support
- Tricia Wasney, Manager of Public Art, and Carol Phillips, Executive Director of the Winnipeg Arts Council for guiding and advising us on the call for submission and selection process
A new home for United Way - 580 Main Street
April 2010
United Way's plans to relocate to a new home in the heart of Winnipeg's downtown are well underway. In fact, you may have noticed construction of a new building taking place on Main Street between Pacific and Alexander Avenues.
We're excited to be able to contribute to the revitalization of Winnipeg's downtown and move closer to a number of our agency partners. And while the building will house staff and facilitate day-to-day functions of the organization, our primary goal is to create a space that reflects and benefits all of Winnipeg.
The main floor will be dedicated to the pursuit of that vision. While its function and nature will evolve over time, it will be a space that promotes conversation, innovation and learning in our community. The main floor will:- Showcase some of the great things happening in our city in terms of positive social change and how Winnipeggers can get involved
- Provide 'hot desks' to incubate innovative social enterprise and community initiatives aimed at making our community better for all
- Provide meeting space where all sectors can come together to identify and discuss issues that matter most and how we might work together to provide solutions to address them
- Provide supports to the not-for-profit sector including the opportunity to match their needs for professional support with skilled volunteers interested in making a difference
Aboriginal Elders bless relocation
Aboriginal Elders bless the location of United Way's new home on Main Street.
Back row, left to right: Carmen & Dean Smith, Allan Sutherland, Leon Laquette, Anna Fontaine. Front row, left to right: Elders Mary Richard, Jules Lavallee, and Mary Courchene
Made possible thanks to a grant from the federal and provincial governments and independent donations from a few major supporters of United Way, the new building will house United Way's staff, and will be a space where new partnerships, collaboration and community connections blossom.
"More than bricks and mortar, the building is an opportunity to enhance United Way's work and broaden its reach and impact in the community," said Anna Fontaine, Chair of United Way's Aboriginal Relations Council. "United Way recognizes the relationship Aboriginal peoples have with the land. This ceremony is a symbolic and historic moment that builds on the work of the Aboriginal Relations Strategy, United Way and the strengths of the Aboriginal community."
As participants gathered in a circle, Elders Mary Richard and Mary Courchene talked about unity and inclusion, delivering a prayer in both English and Ojibway. Elder Jules Lavallee offered a blessing to four flags at the perimeter of the site-yellow, red, black and white-representing the medicine wheel and, in this case, the four directions, and unity of all people.
"To the East, we honour our brothers and sisters of Asian descent; to the South we honour the first peoples, the original inhabitants of Turtle Island (North America); to the West we honour our brothers and sisters of African descent; and North, we honour our brothers and sisters of Caucasian descent."
As the pipe tobacco began to burn, helper Leon Laquette brought a shell of smouldering sage around the circle. Staff, volunteers, even several construction workers took part in the smudge as Carmen and Dean Smith drummed and sang.
Finally, each person received a handful of tobacco. Helper Allan Sutherland led a procession, offering a pinch at each of the four directions. Everyone shared in blessing the land, the new building, and all visitors to the site.
A feast of stew and bannock followed at the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources. Elders once again offered a blessing, preparing a spirit plate to honour our ancestors.
"I want to thank our Elders Jules Lavallee, Mary Richard and Mary Courchene, our singers Dean and Carmen Smith and helpers Leon Lacquette and Allan Sutherland for sharing this ceremony with us," said Anna Fontaine. "It has been my pleasure to be involved."
