Winnipeg Free Press

Holy Trinity Church

Only one Winnipeg architect has had two of his buildings designated as national historic sites. He is long forgotten, while his nationally protected buildings -- both featured tomorrow in Doors Open Winnipeg -- endure: Dalnavert, Hugh John Macdonald's 1895 mansion at 61 Carlton St. (now restored as a museum); and the 1883 Gothic-style Holy Trinity Church at the corner of Graham Avenue and Donald Street. Giles Bugailiskis, the city's senior heritage planner, is one of the few Winnipeggers who can come up with the name of Charles H. Wheeler, a British immigrant who was one of the busiest architects during Winnipeg's halcyon days. That's because Bugailiskis has been relentlessly researching Wheeler for 23 years. "It's somewhat obsessive," says Bugailiskis a bit sheepishly. "It's one of those quirky hobbies, researching Winnipeg architects." Bugailiskis's boxed stash of newspaper clippings, historical records, drawings and photos has recently been unpacked to create an exhibit about Wheeler's life and work. The show, on display for an indefinite run, has its official opening tomorrow at the new Visitors' Centre that adjoins Dalnavert. As part of Doors Open Winnipeg, the free event this weekend that invites the public to explore the architecture of 40 buildings, the Visitors' Centre will be open tomorrow only from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (the house itself will be closed).