Understanding the Condition of Holy Trinity Church

Every successful restoration project begins with a thorough understanding of the building itself.

Before planning for the future, Holy Trinity Church needed an objective, evidence-based assessment of its current condition and the work required to preserve this nationally significant heritage building for generations to come.

In 2025 and early 2026, Holy Trinity commissioned Monteyne Architecture Works, working with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and heritage specialists, to undertake a comprehensive Building and Foundation Assessment. The study examined every major component of the church, including the foundations, structural systems, masonry, roof, building envelope, mechanical and electrical systems, accessibility, life safety, and overall heritage condition. The assessment also documented areas of deterioration, identified deferred maintenance, and evaluated the building's long-term conservation needs.

The report confirms that Holy Trinity remains one of Winnipeg's most important historic landmarks. Constructed in 1884–85 and designated both a National Historic Site of Canada and a Municipal Heritage Site, the church continues to serve as an active place of worship while welcoming thousands of visitors each year for concerts, community events, outreach programs, and cultural activities.

Like many heritage buildings of its age, however, Holy Trinity faces significant challenges. More than a century of weather, aging infrastructure, and the increasing demands of operating a large historic building have resulted in a growing backlog of maintenance and repair work. The assessment identifies both immediate priorities and longer-term capital investments that will be necessary to ensure the building's continued safety, functionality, and preservation.

Importantly, the Building and Foundation Assessment is not a redevelopment plan, nor does it recommend a single future direction for the site. Instead, it provides the technical information needed to make informed decisions. It establishes a baseline understanding of the building's condition, identifies priorities, estimates future work, and provides a practical framework for phased conservation and renewal.

The completion of Phase I marks a significant milestone in Holy Trinity's Building Program. Rather than relying on assumptions, the church now has a detailed professional assessment that will guide future planning, grant applications, fundraising, capital investment, and stewardship. The report also serves as the essential foundation for Phase II, where the focus shifts from understanding the building to engaging the community in shaping its future.

Phase I at a Glance

  • Completed: Spring 2026
  • Lead Consultant: Monteyne Architecture Works
  • Scope: Comprehensive building, structural, engineering and heritage assessment
  • Purpose: Establish the condition of the building and identify conservation priorities
  • Outcome: Technical report that guides future planning, fundraising and capital investment
  • Next Step: Phase II – Community Consultation, Stakeholder Engagement and Preliminary Adaptive Reuse Concepts