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Photos & Coordinates | Sources
A site immediately north of the Old Exhibition Grounds in Winnipeg served as an emergency housing development known as Flora Place. Following the Second World War, between 1947 and 1948, some 100 bungalows were erected as a temporary housing measure here. Each unit cost $2,500 and consisted of three and a half rooms with interior space of 480 square feet. The first residents moved from the Dominion Immigration Hall into the new community on 15 December 1947. Others moved in from the emergency quarters on Water Street, and the old naval barracks on Ellice Avenue.
Intended to serve at most for 10 to 20 years, they were upgraded in 1979, with occupancy of many units continuing into the 1990s. By 2000, all but 28 units were deemed not worth repairing, and demolition of the derelict structures beginning on 26 July 2000. The remaining units, at the site’s eastern edge, then became the focus of a community makeover in 2007. A $3.5 million project, including federal, provincial, city, and Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation funding, replaced the 28 units with 28 townhouse apartments. This new residential cul-de-sac was opened officially on 7 September 2007.
In September 2006, the Burrows Central Residents Council successfully petitioned to name the northern border of the park grounds, and the former location of original Flora Place residences, in honour of Sergeant Thomas George “Tommy” Prince. A monument was unveiled in May 2007, though later vandalized. On 6 October 2013, a new monument and plaque were unveiled and dedicated, replacing the former one. The memorial features 13 boulders, 12 symbolizing warriors and the 13th bearing an inscription and tribute to Prince, each flanked with a tree. A plaque in the park’s central plaza commemorates the sacrifice of those who served and died during the First World War, Second World War, Korea, peacekeeping operations, and Afghanistan. The latter was dedicated on 3 June 2007.
Sergeant Tommy Prince MM Veterans Park (April 2016)
Source: Nathan KramerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.92111, W97.16451
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Thomas George “Tommy” Prince (1915-1977)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Old Exhibition Grounds (Winnipeg)
“City short 10,000 housing units yet 400 stand empty, says official,” Winnipeg Free Press, 29 September 1947, page 1.
“Flora Place move starts next week,” Winnipeg Free Press, 6 December 1927, page 3.
“Flora Place move begins Monday,” Winnipeg Free Press, 11 December 1947, page 23.
“Move from shelters begin,” Winnipeg Free Press, 15 December 1947, page 3.
“Committee seeks 100 more homes at Flora Place,” Winnipeg Free Press, 7 July 1948, page 4.
“Flora Place expansion too costly,” Winnipeg Free Press, 3 June 1954, page 14.
“Energy project planned,” Winnipeg Free Press, 8 October 1981, page 3.
“Habitat has big plans for housing project,” Winnipeg Free Press, 6 May 1996, page A1.
“Province delays demolition plans for 67 houses,” Winnipeg Free Press, 11 February 1999, page A14.
“Flora Place demolition begins,” Winnipeg Free Press, 25 July 2000, page A4.
“‘Win-win’ plan to give new life to tiny enclave,” Winnipeg Free Press, 15 April 2003, page B2.
“Housing fund rescued,” Winnipeg Free Press, 17 March 2005, page B1.
Lord Selkirk - West Kildonan Community Committee Regular Meeting Minutes, 21 November 2006, City of Winnipeg Clerks Decision Making Information System.
Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services - Agenda, 8 January 2007, City of Winnipeg Clerks Decision Making Information System.
Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks Regular Meeting Minutes - Report Minute No. 85, 28 May 2007, City of Winnipeg Clerks Decision Making Information System.
“North End cul-de-sac gets $3.5 million makeover,” Winnipeg Free Press, 8 September 2007, page B1.
“Flora Place," Winnipeg Free Press, 8 September 2007, page B4.
“Brand new memorial for Sgt Tommy Prince,” Winnipeg Free Press (The Times), 21 August 2013.
“New monument to Sgt Tommy Prince unveiled,” Winnipeg Free Press, 6 October 2013.
This page was prepared by Nathan Kramer.
Page revised: 27 June 2021
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