WINNIPEG – June 20, 2008 – Assiniboine Park Conservancy, the newly created, private-public, not-for-profit Corporation charged with the responsibility of visioning, planning, building and governing the future of Assiniboine Park formally announced the appointment of Margaret Redmond as Chief Executive Officer.

“This is a very exciting day in the future of Assiniboine Park Conservancy,” says Hartley Richardson, Volunteer Chair, Assiniboine Park Conservancy. After an extensive search, we are thrilled that Margaret Redmond has agreed to accept the position of Chief Executive Officer and lead the newly formed organization as it sets to implement a bold new vision and leave a lasting legacy by making something truly remarkable happen in Assiniboine Park,” added Richardson.

Winnipegger Margaret Redmond, Bachelor of Arts, Advanced (U of M), Bachelor of Law (U of M), brings a wealth of experience to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Most recently, Margaret was the Chief Strategic Officer for the Canadian Wheat Board. She held prior positions with the CWB including Executive Vice President, Corporate Services and General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Margaret is a strategic and versatile senior executive who is recognized as a champion for change. She has an extensive business background, complemented by legal and governance expertise, strategic planning, government relations and communications experience. She is highly skilled at leading large scale corporate initiatives and leading large teams through significant organizational change. Margaret is recognized as a visionary, inspiring, enthusiastic, collaborative leader and communicator. A passionate promoter of Winnipeg and Manitoba, Margaret has also been actively involved in the community serving as Chair of Manitoba Theatre Centre; Member, Board of Directors City of Winnipeg Exchange District Business Improvement Zone; Member of the Conference Board of Canada’s Council of Public Affairs; and various volunteer roles United Way of Winnipeg, to mention a few.

“This is not business as usual… rather a new day for Assiniboine Park,” said Councillor Brenda Leipsic, Vice Chair, Assiniboine Park Conservancy. We are about to embark on a new initiative to ensure that Assiniboine Park reaches its true potential of being a prime destination, for everyone who lives in Winnipeg, and also for anyone visiting Winnipeg. Finding the right Chief Executive Officer represents a critical step in the success of creating a lasting legacy for Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg’s largest and most visited Park,” added Leipsic.

The major challenge of this new position is to move hearts and minds toward integration and transformation of the whole park into a best-of-class entity that is sustainable for generations to come.  Reporting directly to a volunteer Board of community leaders and government representatives, Margaret is responsible for transitioning Assiniboine Park, and all its entities, into the future, as well as leading the effort to secure ongoing funding to meet current obligations, future plans, facilities and infrastructure upgrades and new construction. She will lead the management team and all Assiniboine Park staff resources, and will be responsible for providing critical support to the volunteer Board and for nurturing relationships with all levels of government and the community.  

For more information contact:
Carmen Barnett, Press Secretary
Mayor’s Office, 510 Main Street
PH: 311

WINNIPEG – June 20, 2008 – A collaborative partnership between the public and private sectors will contribute to the rebirth of Winnipeg’s historic Central Park.

The $5.6 million investment was announced today at a community celebration by the Honourable Gary Doer, Premier of Manitoba; the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification; His Worship Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg; Rick Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation; Ross McGowan, CEO of CentreVenture Development Corporation; and Gerry Gray on behalf of the Gray Family.

This project will preserve an important city venue steeped in tradition and revitalize the downtown area.  It will be funded by a $2.6 million contribution from the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement, and $1 million each from the CentreVenture Development Corporation, The Winnipeg Foundation and the Gray Family.  The project will begin with the restoration of the park’s Waddell Fountain and site improvements, and will include a consultation process to invite community input. The area is home to a diverse population and range of housing.

“We are proud to work alongside dedicated and innovative community leaders on this exciting downtown project,” said Premier Doer. “As part of our commitment to increasing community-based recreation opportunities, the redevelopment of Central Park will serve the needs of one of Winnipeg’s most populated neighbourhoods.”

"The Government of Canada is proud to participate in this collaborative initiative which will transform the park into a year-round world-class playground for all ages and cultures," said Minister Toews. "This project is ensuring the preservation of our built and natural environments for future generations.”

“During my 2006 mayoral campaign, I challenged CentreVenture here at Central Park to find innovative ways of developing more premiere destination parks downtown,” said Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz. “This announcement is a major step forward in renewing our city’s environmental infrastructure and provides those living, or wanting to live downtown with a positive destination and symbol of pride and rebirth. The revitalization of Central Park has always been a topic of conversation, but I am honoured to be here today with our funding partners to show action.”

“Central Park represents a great opportunity to provide a renewed gathering place for the large downtown neighbourhood population that lives in the vicinity,” said Ross McGowan, President and CEO of CentreVenture Development Corporation. ”This announcement sets the stage for a community consultation process that will lead to the development of a plan to build a public destination that draws inspiration from the history of the site and the people who use it.”

“We see this as a wonderful opportunity to extend our lifelong commitment as citizens and businesspeople and do what we can to improve the quality of life for everyone,” said Gerry Gray, retired former owner of Blackwoods Beverages and long-time supporter of community based philanthropy. “We were inspired by Ida Albo and Jim Burns of CentreVenture’s Public Destinations initiative whose vision and enthusiasm for the Central Park project caught our imagination.”

“We look forward to working together and hearing more as this project unfolds,” said Rick Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation.  “The neighbourhood consultations and residents’ feedback about Central Park’s renewal are a key element in this community initiative. Through our Green Spaces Strategy, The Winnipeg Foundation seeks opportunities and partnerships - like this Central Park project - that improve the vibrancy of our downtown; an important ingredient in a flourishing city,” he added.

The park is bordered on the north by Cumberland Avenue, Carlton Street to the east, Edmonton Street to the west, and Ellice Avenue to the south. In its heyday in the early 1900’s, Central Park was the hub of a highly fashionable area. The park was bordered by fine homes, and included walking paths, a bandstand, tennis courts, the famous Gothic-style Waddell Fountain and beautiful gardens.

The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement was signed in May 2004. It represents a five‑year, $75 million commitment by the governments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg to strengthen our neighbourhoods, promote economic development and enable Aboriginal citizens to fully enjoy Winnipeg’s economic and social opportunities. For program details, interested parties are encouraged to consult the Web site www.winnipegpartnership.mb.ca.