Q: What is the purpose of the Armstrong’s Point Association?
A: The Armstrong’s Point Association (APA) is open to all residents of Armstrong’s Point who are in good standing with neighbourhood and City by-laws. To join, simply complete a membership form and submit the annual membership fee. For more than 70 years, the Armstrong’s Point Association has worked to preserve the beauty, safety, and sense of community that make our neighbourhood special. Our work includes social events, tree regeneration and garden maintenance, and advocacy with the City on property use, safety, and heritage matters. APA Board members meet regularly to discuss neighbourhood issues and ensure residents’ voices are represented in conversations about local activities and development. As a volunteer-driven organization, the APA is funded through annual memberships and powered by residents who care deeply about life in the Gates. Your membership helps keep Armstrong’s Point vibrant, connected, and well represented. We also encourage neighbours to consider joining the APA Board. The Board currently has 12 members, and our by-laws allow for up to 17 residents to serve. Whether your strengths are in community building, advocacy, or simply a passion for the neighbourhood, your participation can make a meaningful difference. For more information, please contact: GatesCommunityNews@gmail.com
Q: How do I join the Association?
A: There are two ways to join the Association: 1. Complete the attached form and bring it to the Annual General Meeting on June 17th. 2. Complete the form and place it in the mailbox at 129 East Gate. Please include a cheque for $45, or send an EFT to armstrongspointassociation@gmail.com.
Q: What is the Armstrong’s Point Association working on currently?
A: One of the APA’s priorities is to keep residents informed and strengthen our sense of community. Current initiatives include: • Welcome packages for new residents. • Summer community events, including potlucks and barbecues. 1 | Page • The spring clean-up with residents and nearby institutions such as Balmoral Hall and Westgate Mennonite Collegiate. • An annual holiday party. • Ongoing engagement with City departments, including Heritage and Zoning, and with our City Councillor. • Advocacy for replacement light standards that reflect the neighbourhood’s historic character.
Q: What is a Heritage Conservation District designation?
A: A Heritage Conservation District (HCD) designation is a municipal planning tool used to protect the unique historical and architectural character of an entire neighbourhood. Rather than focusing on a single property, it guides growth and alterations across the area— including streetscapes, mature trees, and lot layouts—so changes complement the neighbourhood’s historic character. Armstrong’s Point became Winnipeg’s first HCD in April 2019.
Q: What does HCD designation mean for me as a homeowner in Armstrong’s Point?
A: The designation is not intended to freeze the neighbourhood in time or prevent renovations. It helps ensure changes are consistent with the character-defining features of your property and the surrounding area. • Exterior alterations: Exterior renovations—such as replacing windows, adding an extension, or changing siding—are reviewed by City heritage planners under the Armstrong’s Point HCD Plan. A Heritage Permit is required. • Interior renovations: Interior work generally does not require a Heritage Permit unless it affects the exterior envelope or character-defining features. • Demolitions: Demolition of existing structures is heavily restricted and requires approval. • Natural environment: The designation also helps protect mature trees, wide streets, deep setbacks, and the historic feel of the Gates. • Property values: Heritage districts can help support property values by preserving the neighbourhood’s distinct character. If you are considering a renovation or new build, review the City of Winnipeg’s HCD guidelines or contact the City’s heritage planning department before hiring contractors or purchasing materials.
Q: Are there other Heritage Conservation Districts in Winnipeg or other parts of Canada? 2 | Page
A: Yes. Winnipeg currently has two Heritage Conservation Districts, and many other Canadian cities have similar designations. Armstrong’s Point became the City’s first HCD in April 2019. In March 2023, CrescentwoodEnderton Park became Winnipeg’s second HCD. Other Canadian cities also protect historic areas through similar designations. Examples include Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Victoria, and Halifax.
Q: Is there a Neighbourhood Watch in Armstrong’s Point and how does it help to keep our neighbourhood safe?
A: Neighbourhood Watch is a community-run program supported by the Winnipeg Police Service. Neighbourhood Watch helps reduce crime through active resident involvement. It encourages neighbours to watch out for one another’s property, report suspicious activity, and share information that improves community safety. The gatesneighbourhoodwatch@gmail.com account is managed by Ash Raichura, Armstrong’s Point’s volunteer Block Captain. Messages are monitored and, when appropriate, shared anonymously with neighbours to raise awareness of recent activity in the area. Residents should also report concerns directly to the Winnipeg Police Service through the nonemergency line at 204-986-6222 or the City’s online reporting service. Even when a report does not lead to an arrest or recovery, it helps police guide patrols and track repeat offences.
Q: Does our neighbourhood have a website?
A: Yes, www.armstrongspoint.com. It is currently under reconstruction with a new website designer. Q: Who publishes the Gates Community Newsletter? A: The Armstrong’s Point Association prepares, edits, prints, and distributes this quarterly publication to all residents. The newsletter is currently seeking a new editor, and neighbourhood volunteers are welcome to contribute content.
Q: Can I contribute to the newsletter and how?
A: Yes. Please email us at gatescommunitynews@gmail.com to join the work. Q: Is there a central way of emailing people who live in the neighbourhood? A: Yes. There is a central email list used to share neighbourhood news and events. To join, email Kris at gatescommunitynews@gmail.com.