The familiar face of downtown Winnipeg has changed. The iconic clock tower that stood sentinel over Portage Place for 122 years has been removed from its perch and is now sitting in storage, its future uncertain.
A Downtown Landmark Silenced
For over a century, the Portage Place clock was more than just a timepiece; it was a meeting point, a navigational beacon, and a piece of living history in the heart of the city. Its removal, confirmed in early December 2025, marks a significant moment for the area's streetscape. The clock was a fixture for generations of Winnipeggers, who grew accustomed to its presence amidst the evolving city core.
The clock's final public appearance was documented on October 16, 2025, before the careful process of its dismantling began. While the exact reasons for its removal are tied to the broader discussions and plans surrounding the Portage Place site, the immediate result is the loss of a tangible link to the city's past. Its current location in a storage facility secures it from the elements but leaves its long-term fate unresolved.
History and Community Sentiment
Installed over 122 years ago, the clock witnessed the tremendous growth and transformation of Winnipeg. It told time through boom periods, economic challenges, and countless daily stories of the people passing beneath it. Its architectural style and mechanical workings represented the craftsmanship and civic pride of its era.
News of the clock's removal has sparked conversations online and in community circles, with many residents expressing nostalgia and a desire to see the historic element preserved and potentially reintegrated into any future development. The clock tower's value is not merely functional but deeply sentimental, serving as a personal landmark for countless individuals.
What Comes Next for the Historic Clock?
The clock's placement into storage is likely an interim measure. The central question now is what form its preservation will take. Heritage advocates and city planners will be watching closely to see if the clock will be restored and incorporated into a new building design, placed in a public park or museum, or meet another destiny.
This development occurs amidst ongoing city-wide discussions about heritage conservation, urban renewal, and the identity of Winnipeg's downtown. The handling of the Portage Place clock is seen by many as a test case for how the city balances progress with the preservation of its historical character. The hope among preservationists is that this is not a permanent goodbye but a pause before the clock finds a new home where it can continue to be a part of Winnipeg's story.
For now, the space where the clock tower once stood feels emptier, a silent reminder of the passage of time it once measured so faithfully for the city.
