Monarch Life Building

A point of interest on the Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings GPS-guided audio walking tour.

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Audio Transcript

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On your left sits a building that is very different from what we’ve been admiring so far!

All along this strip are examples of post-war design, a reflection of Winnipeg’s desire to revitalize its business sector. The Monarch Life Building, now Worker’s Compensation Board, was built in 1961.

Internationally recognized as Winnipeg’s breakthrough modernist structure, it was a finalist for the Massey Medal for Architecture.

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Winnipeg was excited! There was so much public interest that bleachers were set up so spectators could watch as construction progressed.

And there was good reason for the interest, too. Two years had gone into its planning and design. The list of expectations for what The Monarch Life Building would represent was a long one, after all.

It was to showcase Monarch Life’s vision, and reflect the company's strength and confidence. It was also meant to express a belief in and commitment to Winnipeg. At the same time, it needed to put clients at ease and be a respectful workplace.

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As a symbol of that respect, in the lobby, is a plaque with names of employees who served in WW11.

So much thought and talent went into The Monarch Life Building's design and construction that, when reno's were needed in 2011, all original materials and colours were sourced and used. Anything that could be numbered, saved and re-used was. That’s a big job and one that resulted in this building receiving Heritage Winnipeg’s Conservation Award.

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