Skip to Content

How much did the leaf at Assiniboine Park cost?


Assiniboine Park, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is a beautiful tourist attraction that features 1,100 acres of park land, including a zoo, gardens, playgrounds, and walking trails. In 2014, one of its biggest and most expensive additions was the “Leaf,” a large complex that houses restaurants, event spaces, and a terrace that offers stunning views of the park. But many people have one nagging question about the Leaf: how much did it cost?

The short answer is that the Leaf cost $130 million to build, but that number comes with a lot of context. The project was funded by both public and private money, and it was far from the only improvement made to Assiniboine Park in recent years. So, let’s break down the costs and see where all that money went.

The Cost Breakdown

As we mentioned, the construction of the Leaf cost $130 million in total. However, $75 million of that came from public funds, meaning that taxpayers footed the majority of the bill. The remaining $55 million came from private donors, and the fundraising campaign was led by the not-for-profit Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

So, what exactly did all that money cover? The Leaf complex spans 80,000 square feet and features multiple levels, each with a different purpose. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find inside:

– The “Treetop Room,” a rentable event space that can hold up to 200 guests
– The “Garden Room,” another event space with a capacity of 300 guests
– Two restaurants, “The Terrace” and “The Cafe,” both with indoor and outdoor seating options
– A rooftop terrace that offers stunning views of the park and the downtown Winnipeg skyline
– A 185-car underground parking lot

The Leaf is also designed to be environmentally sustainable, with features like a green roof, rainwater harvesting, and geothermal heating and cooling.

What About the Rest of Assiniboine Park?

Of course, the Leaf isn’t the only improvement that’s been made to Assiniboine Park in recent years. In fact, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy launched a five-year, $200-million fundraising campaign in 2009, with the goal of transforming the park into a world-class destination. Some of the projects that have been completed since then include:

– A $10-million redevelopment of the Lyric Theatre, which now hosts concerts, plays, and other performances
– The “Canada’s Diversity Gardens” project, a $75-million initiative that will create 10 acres of new gardens and green spaces celebrating Canada’s multiculturalism
– A renovation of the park’s duck pond, which included the installation of a new fountain and pedestrian bridge

These are just a few examples of the improvements that have been made to Assiniboine Park in recent years. The goal of all of these projects is to make the park a more enjoyable and accessible place for visitors, and to cement its status as one of the top attractions in Winnipeg.

Conclusion

In the end, the Assiniboine Park Leaf cost a total of $130 million to build, with $75 million of that coming from public funds. While this is a significant amount of money, it’s important to remember that the Leaf is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The park as a whole has undergone a major transformation in recent years, with millions of dollars invested in new attractions, green spaces, and event spaces. So, the next time you visit the park and take in the views from the Leaf’s rooftop terrace, know that you’re looking at the result of a lot of hard work and investment in one of Winnipeg’s most beloved landmarks.

FAQ

When did Leaf open in Winnipeg?


The Leaf at Assiniboine Park, which is Canada’s newest horticultural attraction, opened to the public on December 3, after much anticipation. The Leaf is a multi-functional space that is available for different purposes, including event spaces, educational facilities, and botanical gardens. The Leaf is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and it features a stunning, state-of-the-art greenhouse structure that showcases a wide range of plant species from all around the world. Along with its indoor spaces, The Leaf has outdoor gardens that offer an immersive experience and are designed to provide visitors with seasonal displays, tranquil retreats, and inspiring natural environments. Opening up The Leaf has been a long-awaited project in Winnipeg and is expected to attract a wide range of visitors from all over Canada and beyond. The facility was designed to revitalize the park and provide an ideal place for learning, connecting with nature, and celebrating events. The Leaf opening has been widely praised as a positive step towards promoting community engagement and environmental sustainability.

Who owns Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg?


Assiniboine Park is a significant landmark located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is a beautiful recreational spot that attracts tourists and locals alike. The park is home to various attractions, including the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, the Assiniboine Park Zoo, the English Garden, the Qualico Family Centre, and the Pavilion Gallery Museum.

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) manages Assiniboine Park. However, the park’s ownership lies with the City of Winnipeg. APC has a 50-year lease agreement with the City of Winnipeg to manage the park.

The City of Winnipeg is responsible for all the assets and property within the park. Still, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy Board of Directors oversees the park’s operations and administration. The board comprises community leaders who have a deep sense of affection for Assiniboine Park.

The board is responsible for the park’s management, including setting strategic objectives, policies, and procedures. They also ensure that the park is well-maintained, safe, and accessible to all visitors. Additionally, the board raises funds for the park’s development and day-to-day running.

The City of Winnipeg owns Assiniboine Park, but the Assiniboine Park Conservancy manages and runs it. The Board of Directors oversees the park’s management, operations and is responsible for sourcing funds for its development and maintenance. Assiniboine Park remains one of Winnipeg’s most treasured landmarks and a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving green spaces for future generations.

What is the oldest park in Winnipeg?


The oldest park in Winnipeg is Central Park, which was established in 1894. Central Park is located in the heart of the city, covering an area of 12 acres. It is located between Cumberland and Vaughn Streets, and between Edmonton and St. Mary’s Avenues. The park is easily accessible from all parts of the city, as it is located near major bus and transit routes.

Central Park has a rich history and has been an important public space in Winnipeg for over a century. When the park was first established, it was a popular destination for people looking to relax and enjoy nature within the city. Over the years, many houses and apartment blocks were constructed in the surrounding area, but Central Park remained a popular destination, attracting visitors from all over the city.

One of the features that makes Central Park unique is its floral gardens, which were first established in 1920. The gardens are home to many different types of flowers, shrubs, and trees, and provide a beautiful and peaceful place for visitors to enjoy. In addition to the floral gardens, Central Park also has a children’s playground, a wading pool, and many picnic areas.

Over the years, Central Park has played host to many different events and activities, including music festivals, community gatherings, and special events. It is a popular spot for families to enjoy a day out together, and for individuals to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Central Park is the oldest park in Winnipeg, and has been an important public space in the city for over a century. Its history, beauty, and accessibility make it a popular destination for visitors and residents alike.

What are they building in Assiniboine Park?


Assiniboine Park, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Winnipeg, Canada, is on the verge of adding another feather to its cap with the construction of a multi-million dollar horticultural attraction known as The Leaf. The project, which has been in the works for several years now, has been designed to provide visitors with a unique and immersive experience that connects them with nature. The Leaf is expected to open to the public in late 2022, and it promises to be one of the most exceptional botanical wonders in the province of Manitoba.

The construction of The Leaf has been designed to transform the Victorian Garden Pavilion, which was built in 1914, into a modern and contemporary structure that houses a plethora of botanical wonders. The attraction will be designed to showcase the connection between people and plants, with an emphasis on exploring and rediscovering the healing power of nature. The Leaf will span an area of over 50,000 square feet and is expected to be one of the largest indoor exhibition spaces in Manitoba.

Some of the attractions that visitors can expect to see at The Leaf include several themed gardens, an art gallery, a tropical rainforest, a butterfly garden, and a research laboratory. The facility will also house a restaurant, a gift shop, and several classrooms for educational purposes. The attraction has been designed to cater to people of all ages, and it promises to be a must-see destination for visitors to Winnipeg.

The Leaf has been designed to offer visitors an immersive and interactive experience by using the latest technology, such as virtual and augmented reality. Visitors will be able to explore the various gardens and exhibits using their smartphones or tablets, making it a unique and engaging experience that they will not forget in a hurry.

The Leaf at Assiniboine Park is a multi-million dollar horticultural attraction that promises to provide visitors with a unique and immersive experience. It is an ambitious project that has been in the works for several years, and it is expected to be one of the most significant tourist attractions in the province of Manitoba. With its emphasis on the connection between people and plants, The Leaf is sure to become a must-see destination for tourists to Winnipeg and a valuable resource for educators.