Buildings

Context photo of École Henri-Bergeron at 383 Enfield Crescent
Detail photo of École Henri-Bergeron front entry landscaping at 383 Enfield Crescent
Photo of side entry to École Henri-Bergeron at 383 Enfield Crescent
Photo of the back entry to École Henri-Bergeron at 383 Enfield Crescent

École Henri-Bergeron

Formerly:Queen Elizabeth School
Address:383 Enfield Crescent
Use:Educational
Constructed:1962
Architects:Smith Carter Searle

More Information

École Henri-Bergeron was built in 1962 for the Norwood School Division to be the site of relocation for Queen Elizabeth School, formerly situated at 260 Kenny Street. Condemned as a fire trap, the only solution was to demolish the old building and reconstruct at a new location. The school's name changed to its current one in 1998 after the merge of the Norwood and St. Boniface School Divisions. Since, the school has also made the switch to offer French-immersion schooling for Grade 4 to Grade 8 students.

Perfectly rectangular with a flat roof, this two-storey dark brown brick structure designed by local firm Smith Carter Searle has seen no significant change to its exterior since its opening in 1962. Its windows are aligned vertically along the two sides of the school except for the gym portion. While restrained in all ornamentation, its modern design is not stark due to skillful use of receding light and shadow in the facade as well as contrasting minimal trim in white. The main entrance can be found under a simple canopy. École Henri-Bergeron's schoolyard is shared with Bertrand Arena.

École Henri-Bergeron is named after the well-known Manitoban television and radio announcer. Bergeron was the founder of CKSB Saint-Boniface, the first French radio station in Western Canada. However, Bergeron is best known as the host of CBC program "Les Beaux Dimanches," over which he presided for 18 years. All his life, Bergeron was committed to promoting the French language and ensuring the continuation of a bilingual society in Manitoba.

Design Characteristics

Style:Modern
Suburb:Central St. Boniface
  • Flat roof
  • Dark brown brick facade
  • Minimal use of contrasting trim in white
  • Windows aligned vertically along the two sides except for the gym portion
  • Simple canopy over main entrance
  • Skillful use of receding light and shadow in the facade
  • Schoolyard shared with Bernard Arena

Sources

  • "New Site Selected for School." Winnipeg Tribune, July 25, 1961.
  • "$360,000 By-Law Vote Set On New Norwood School." Winnipeg Tribune, September 9, 1961.