Heritage Saint-Norbert

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Heritage Saint-Norbert is a non-profit charitable organization formed in 1979 dedicated to preserving and promoting the history surrounding the community of St. Norbert, Manitoba.

Formation

The origins of Heritage Saint-Norbert arose when the French school in Saint-Norbert created a division among residents in the 1970’s.. The founding members were citizens that met with representatives from both sides of the argument. These people had their knowledge expanded through the arguments and became more aware of Saint-Norbert's past.

Another event that triggered the formation of the organization was the sudden disappearance of the old bank building at the corner of Pembina Hwy and Rue des Trappistes. It was a building full of character that a large number of people would have fought for its preservation had they been aware of its demolition.

Afterward, a development proposal was made for the property that now includes Place Saint-Norbert and the property owned by the Behavioural Health Foundation. Castlewood wanted to build 200 homes on the site and tear down the historical buildings that were already there in the process. As a result of people’s objections, Castlewood withdrew and the Behavioural Health Foundation (then called the X-Kalay Foundation) was given a chance to buy the property.

As these events unfolded, a group of people became acquainted through their interests in preserving the community and they thought an organization was needed whose business it was to keep track of community happenings and generally promote what was believed to be the interests of the community. A local Chamber of Commerce was initially talked about, but afterwards, the organization settled on a structure that was broader in its mandate. The following objectives were set forth

• To promote and preserve the identity and the historic aspects of the community of St. Norbert.
• To guide and assist in the future planning and the development of the St. Norbert area.
• To promote, implement, organize and manage projects, activities, programs and facilities consistent with the above objectives.
• To work in co-operation with any organization with similar objectives.

The constitution was signed on February 26, 1979.

In the following decades, many projects were undertaken and the recognition of Saint-Norbert has been greatly increased. These efforts have brought to the community donations and grants in excess of $5,000,000 for the completion of its projects

Projects

Trappist Monastery and Guest House

The growth of Saint-Norbert and its inclusion into Winnipeg had impacted the Trappist Fathers’ way of living. They were strongly orientated towards a quiet existence, and thus they vacated their monastery to move to Holland, Manitoba – a much more isolated location. The property was then purchased by Genstar, who placed a twenty-four-hour guard on the property. Unfortunately, they did this reluctantly and intermittently, with sometimes having no protection at all. During one of these times, young people got into the main structure, lit a fire, and the building was destroyed.

Fortunately, the Guest House remained unharmed a hundred meters behind the monastery. The building was structurally sound, but also very vulnerable to vandalism. Heritage Saint-Norbert rallied to have the ruins and the remains to be saved. As Genstar was anxious to get rid of any responsibility for the site, they arrived at an agreement with the Province to have the Province take over the ruins. Genstar had been paid insurance money which they invested in by stabilizing the structure. Heritage Saint-Norbert lobbied for plaques that would describe the past use of the site. The ruins would then become a park that remained a quiet place of refuge and meditation.

The Guest House served temporarily as housing for Polish immigrants and for the X-Kalay Foundation residents during renovations to their main building. Periodically, the Guest House was vacant and became a major worry for Heritage Saint-Norbert. Fortunately, a group of young people decided to live in it and protect it from damage by creating a suite on the second floor. The property was then purchased from Genstar and plans were developed to restore and upgrade the building to create an arts center. It has operated as the St. Norbert Arts Centre ever since.

Canada Day Celebrations

For a number of years, Heritage Saint-Norbert organized Canada Day celebrations that were quite popular throughout the town. They included the arrival of Captain Canada by parachute.

Street Names

Each new development in St. Norbert was scrutinized to ensure that it conformed to the nature of the community. A development now referred to as Richmond lakes was proposed with plans calling for street names that were not appropriate. Heritage Saint-Norbert lobbied the city and had them renamed after pioneers of the area. That activity resulted in an article in Maclean’s magazine under the heading “Street Fighting in St. Norbert”.

St. Norbert Post Office

There was a move by Canada Post to close the St. Norbert Post Office. Heritage Saint-Norbert successfully lobbied to save it. This was an important step in retaining the identity of Saint-Norbert. A significant argument was that the community needed a bilingual facility.

Boulevard Standards

Some of Heritage Saint-Norbert's projects were difficult, took much time and required substantial funding. Now and then, something good happened with virtually no effort. After Heritage Saint-Norbert mentioned to City officials that they wanted Saint-Norbert more clearly identified, they quickly came forward with a plan for a tall standard to do just that.

They asked Heritage Saint-Norbert's input into the design and from that came the design with the image of an oxcart and a nun driving it. That image was to commemorate the arrival of a grey nun in 1859 who came to establish a school in St. Norbert.

Bridges of Saint-Norbert

Heritage Saint-Norbert provided input into the bridge project including providing for the naming on the bridge.

Henry Boux Park

Heritage Saint-Norbert requested a bench be named for Henry Boux, a longtime member who was instrumental in establishing the market among other community work. In fact, Heritage Saint-Norbert got the small park overlooking the La Salle River, a very fitting tribute to a respected member.

Place Saint-Norbert

When the Oblate Fathers decided not to sell their property to a developer, they needed some more satisfactory arrangement to dispose of it. X Kalay badly wanted to remain there but could not meet the Oblates’ financial requirements. Eventually, through donations, grants and a CMHC mortgage, X Kalay had the resources to take ownership. Part of the “deal” was that the property that is known as Place Saint-Norbert would be available for use by Heritage Saint-Norbert for community purposes. As time went by, the continued ownership of the property by X Kalay became doubtful. A further substantial donation resolved the financial issues but required that the Place Saint-Norbert area be subdivided and title would be turned over to a corporation of Heritage Saint-Norbert’s creation. That was the origin of the St. Norbert Foundation. The property extends from the Community Club to Avenue de la Digue and from Pembina Highway to the property of École Noël-Ritchot. Heritage Saint-Norbert has moved or built a number of structures on the property. Place Saint-Norbert is one of the suggested destinations to visit while in Saint-Norbert according to Joie de Vivre Manitoba and Tourisme Riel.

Place Saint-Norbert Gate

The gate was built to provide an identity to the property and to further identify St. Norbert as a place of special importance to Manitobans and Canadians. It has provided a place where the St. Norbert story can be told. It is also a place where lively activities such as the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market and a community garden can exist. The X Kalay building remains a backdrop to the property.

La Barriere Monument

This monument consisting of a cross and plaques commemorates the Métis resistance in 1869 to the entry of troops from Eastern Canada who were expected to arrive via Pembina Highway. Word was sent to the troops that they would meet resistance if they were to come as far as St. Norbert. The Métis and others wanted a negotiated takeover, not a forced takeover. A physical barrier was erected and the Métis were ready to stop any intrusion. In fact, the troops stayed at Pembina, so no violence took place. St. Norbert became the headquarters for Louis Riel with the assistance of Father Noël-Joseph Ritchot during the “time of troubles”. Father Ritchot was one of three Manitobans who went to Ottawa to negotiate the Manitoba Act that contained the provisions sought by the Métis and others.

The monument had been located in a place outside the town though possibly nearer the actual site of the barriere. It was in a place difficult to access. It is now easily available to those interested in its story at Place Saint-Norbert.

The Ox Cart, Napoleon and Jeanne Perreault

In celebration of Canada’s 100th anniversary, a Saint-Norbert resident, Normand Tellier, built an ox cart, hitched an ox to it and set off for Batoche, Saskatchewan. Though he only made it partway, on his return he had the ox stuffed and rigged up with the cart to perform in parades. The ox was even able to perform certain of the normal functions of a live ox. Heritage Saint-Norbert became heir to the outfit. It was eventually withdrawn from the parades out of concern for its longevity. In order to protect it from the elements, it was decided to build a structure within Place Saint-Norbert as its permanent home. A timber frame building was erected with lots of windows so that the public could view it. Later, an effigy of Jeanne Perreault was added as the driver. A description of the reasons for the display is provided on the windows.

La Boucherie

The building that had been the town butcher shop, located at Avenue de l’Eglise and Rue Landry, was to be demolished.

The building with its Mansard roof had quite a distinct character. Heritage Saint-Norbert had it moved first to the X Kalay property and then to Place Saint-Norbert where it was significantly upgraded to become a day care facility run by X Kalay. It has served that purpose for many years.

McDougall House

The McDougall family was among many Metis who relocated from the St. Boniface-St. Vital area to Lorette and other areas in Tache during the troubled years of 1868–70. Daniel McDougall, 27, found property to his liking south of the Seine River in 1869, staked his claim, and began plowing his field. By 1871, McDougall and his family had built a 20′ x 25′ log house and had taken up permanent residency. McDougall died on May 28, 1880, shortly after a train accident in St. Boniface in which he lost a leg. He left his wife and two sons with a lot, two buildings and some cultivated land. Three years after her husband’s death, Mrs. McDougall and her teenage sons moved across the river and built a sturdy log house (12′ x 21′).

The McDougall House is a one-and-a-half storey lot building with dovetail corners, considered by many to be the ultimate in log building construction. Because of the great care needed in making these corners, usually only an "expert axeman" would choose the style. The fact that the joints still fit snugly on this 105-year-old house shows the remarkable workmanship involved.

Heritage Saint-Norbert worked hard to raise the money to move and restore this piece of pioneer history. The house was moved from Lorette to its present location at Place Saint-Norbert. To help preserve the house, the second-floor joists were replaced and second-story flooring was removed. The house was also coated in lime whitewash to prevent insects. The house is now being used as a small museum; it is open to the public on market days.

St. Norbert Farmers’ Market

Heritage Saint-Norbert was approached by a group that wanted to start a market on the Place Saint-Norbert property. Heritage Saint-Norbert and the St. Norbert Foundation (now the Behavioural Health Foundation) joined together to create the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market. The plan was that this market would prevent an abundance of businesses on the main strip of Pembina and would help preserve the heritage and look of the area.

The St. Norbert Farmers’ Market has become one of the most popular markets in the Province. Improvements to the property have been made to accommodate the requirements that have gone with its success.

One improvement to the market includes a new canvas-covered building allowing the market to operate year-long. Heritage Saint-Norbert was opposed to this saying that the height of the building and the way it was situated on the property blocked the view of the Behavioural Health Foundation, but they were unable to prevent its construction.

Another improvement is its expansion in area. The St. Norbert Farmer's Market is expanding its booths onto the Place Saint-Norbert side of the property against the will of Heritage Saint-Norbert. Heritage Saint-Norbert has consistently told the market to refrain from blocking the view of the McDougall House from Pembina Highway, yet the St. Norbert Farmers' Market continuously attempts to add more vendor booths as its own side of the property becomes filled. The St. Norbert Farmers' Market has been known to give 5-year bans to any vendors who oppose their view of expanding on the Place Saint-Norbert side of the property

Charette Park

The newly-named Charette park in Saint-Norbert allows people to have a rest on one of the many benches and enjoy a scenic view of the meandering river. In spring of 2016, Heritage Saint-Norbert, along with the community and St. Norbert BIZ, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the newly-named park.

Mural at Pembina Hwy and Avenue de l'Eglise

Heritage Saint-Norbert commissioned a large mural that faces Pembina Highway traffic as it enters the village from the south. The mural depicts important events and individuals of the area, including the erection of the barrier to stop the forces approaching from Pembina until negotiations took place for Manitoba’s entry into Confederation, Louis Riel, leader of the Provisional Government and Father Noel Ritchot, the local priest and one of three Manitobans to go to Ottawa to negotiate the Manitoba Act.

Scholarship

In 2008, a scholarship was created from a bequest to Heritage Saint-Norbert by a longtime supporter. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student specializing in French language studies.

Cairn to Commemorate Early Settlers of the Area

During various floods affecting the town, particularly the 1950 and 1966 floods, creation of dikes apparently destroyed many graves near the church. There remained no public record of these individuals.

Heritage Saint-Norbert members painstakingly searched the church records to find their names so that a cairn could be erected in their memory. The Cairn is now complete and contains the names of over eleven hundred persons who were buried here but their graves were lost. A booklet listing their names was also produced.

Awards

2014 Heritage Winnipeg Preservation Distinguished Service Award

In 2014, Heritage Saint-Norbert received the Distinguished Service Award "For their pivotal role in advocating for the preservation of many historic buildings in Saint Norbert and the immensely successful Farmers Market". They were the only organization to receive this reward that year.

References

This article "Heritage Saint-Norbert" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Heritage Saint-Norbert. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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