Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, marked Winnipeg's 150th birthday.  

To celebrate this special occasion, the City of Winnipeg launched a Winnipeg 150 Community Celebration Grant Program.

The announcement was made at 380 William Avenue, the former Carnegie Library, which will soon serve as the City’s Archives.

The grants will be up for grabs by existing festivals, events, museums, and other organizations that operate within Winnpeg and incorporate the Winnipeg 150 theme: Our shared stories. Our shared future.

“We are excited to celebrate Winnipeg 150 and want to involve local community organizations who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to our city over the years,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “Grants of up to $5,000 will be available for organizations to highlight the history and future of Winnipeg in their programming this year through music, performances, or exhibits.”

Funding for the grants is subject to Council’s approval of the 2024-2027 multi-year budget. More information can be found at winnipeg.ca/150years.  

Meanwhile, the city plans to officially mark Winnipeg's 150th birthday on Jan. 19, 2024, the anniversary of the first meeting of City Council. The event will celebrate former and current elected officials. 

Several other community events and celebrations have also been planned throughout the year, including an event to acknowledge Winnipeg's Sister Cities, the production of Winnipeg 150 souvenirs, a candlelight service for the families of veterans at Brookside Cemetery and the creation of a time capsule.

The time capsule will include letters from dignitaries, items documenting Winnipeg 150 activities, and other records of Our shared stories. Our shared future. It will be stored at the City’s Archives until it’s opened for the City’s 200th anniversary in 2074.

“We are looking forward to a great year, marking this historic anniversary, and we hope all Winnipeggers will find a reason to celebrate,” added Gillingham.