Gaano Mo Kakilala ang Manitoba?

Gaano Mo Kakilala ang Manitoba?

Kung matagal-tagal ka nang naninirahan sa Winnipeg, e siguradong ilang beses mo nang nadaanan o napuntahan mismo ang mga ito, na ilan lang sa mahahalagang istrakturang matatagpuan sa siyudad ng Winnipeg.

However, have you ever wondered about them, like who designed them or when they were built or what their respective official names are? Of course, googling about them will give you the necessary information; but for the sake of those who couldn’t find the time to sit down on their computers and look up the details, here are some basic information about each of these important landmarks.

Esplanade Riel

It is the pedestrian bridge connecting downtown Winnipeg with St. Boniface, named in honor of Louis Riel, a political leader of the Métis people of the Canadian prairies whom is also regarded as the founder of the province of Manitoba. Esplanade Riel was designed by Colin Douglas Stewart of Wardrop Engineering and the architect Étienne Gaboury. Its construction began in 2003 and ended in the year that followed. It is very near The Forks—a favorite stroll site among Winnipeggers. The vehicular bridge with which it is attached, on the other hand, is called Provencher Bridge.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR)

By now, perhaps everyone living in Winnipeg has already passed by or even visited this new historic building located in the vicinity of The Forks. The primary purpose of the museum is to “explore the subject of human rights with a special but not exclusive reference to Canada, in order to enhance the public’s understanding of human rights, to promote respect for others and to encourage reflection and dialogue.” The Canadian lawyer, politician, and businessperson Israel Harold Asper is credited as the one who originated the idea and vision to establish the museum. The design submitted by Antoine Predock, an architect from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was the one chosen by the judging panel among 100 submissions from 21 countries. CMHR’s official construction began in April 2009; it official opened in September 2014.

Golden Boy

Officially named Eternal Youth, Golden Boy has become a household name for many Winnipeggers. It is the statue perched facing north on the dome of the Manitoba Legislative Building. It was sculpted by Georges Gardet of Paris in 1918 and cast in bronze by the Barbidienne Foundry. Manitoba Government purchased it from France, eventually placing it atop the Legislative Building on November 21, 1919. Completed in 1920, Manitoba Legislative Building itself was designed and built by Frank Worthington Simon (1862–1933) and Henry Boddington III, along with other masons and many skilled craftsmen.

Sa Madaling Salita

Ilan lang yan sa mahahalagang istrakturang matatagpuan sa siyudad ng Winnipeg. In the next issue, we will continue our visit to the city’s significant structures. For instance, do you know what the oldest building in the city is? What about the tallest building? You will learn about all these in the next issue, so stay tuned and always get your copy of Filipino Journal.