Petition to Save and Restore the Transcona Cemetery Winter Vault.

We, the residents, families, and supporters of the Transcona community, are calling upon the City of Winnipeg and its governing bodies to immediately halt any plans that would result in the demolition or removal of the historic Transcona Cemetery Winter Vault—and to instead invest in its restoration and preservation.

This structure is more than just a building—it is a cornerstone of our local heritage. Built to serve a vital role in the early development of Transcona, the Winter Vault stands as a rare and tangible link to the past, representing the traditions, resilience, and cultural practices of the people who built our community.

Constructed in 1932 by William Henry Girling, on the cemetery grounds is a small brick building, built using bricks salvaged from the abandoned Suthwyn Presbyterian Church. It was originally used as a chapel and winter vault, providing a dignified solution for times when frozen ground prevented grave digging. Later, the building was repurposed for storage of groundskeeping equipment. As of 2019, it was listed as abandoned in the City of Winnipeg’s asset inventory list.

We urge the City to:

Immediately pause any redevelopment plans involving the Winter Vault;
Engage with local stakeholders, including residents, heritage advocates, and the Transcona Museum, to explore options for restoration;
Officially recognize the building as a site of historical and cultural importance, worthy of preservation and rehabilitation.

Preserving this piece of Transcona’s history is a sign of respect to the generations before us and a gift to those who will come after.

Sincerely,

Concerned Citizens of Transcona and Supporters of Local Heritage