A historic home is up for sale in Winnipeg. Its previous tenant: University of Winnipeg President Lloyd Axworthy. The home, in the historic River Heights neighbourhood, has been owned by the university for the past six decades and served as the president’s quarters. Constructed in 1930, the 3,160-square-foot house went up for sale March 17.
It used to be a common practice at many Canadian universities to own a house for the president, which often doubled as a venue for fundraising and other events, explains Bill Balan, vice-president, finance and administration at U of Winnipeg and the university’s chief administrative officer. However, with a fully renovated Convocation Hall and new meeting spaces on campus, the need for a president’s house has diminished, he says. “In the ongoing examination of university operations, it has been determined that the house no longer serves core university needs, and as such is a disposable asset.”
The house is listed for sale at $789,900. Proceeds from the sale will go towards other university capital purposes, says Dr. Balan. Dr. Axworthy vacated the home last fall after purchasing a private home.