The Harry Paine Rain Gardens

What is the Old Grace Housing Co-operative?

Old Grace Housing Co-operative is currently under construction on the site of the original Grace Hospital and will be ready for occupancy in early 2018. The 60-suite design reflects the scale and character of the homes in this well-established community, and exceeds Canadian standards for environmental sustainability. It has been financed through a combination of tax credits, loans, grants, and member shares.

All suites are affordably priced, with 50 per cent of the suites set aside for people who qualify for the Manitoba government’s Affordable Housing Rental Program.

OGHC is targeting LEED Gold certification, which is the the Canada Green Building Council’s second-highest LEED certification level.  By significantly exceeding the Manitoba Energy Code for Buildings, OGHC qualifies for support under two Manitoba Hydro PowerSmart programs. The landscaping will also include two rain gardens.

The Harry Paine Rain Gardens

Harry’s friends and loved ones are asking that people consider making a donation in his memory to support the creation of the Harry Paine Rain Gardens on the grounds of the Old Grace Housing Co-operative.

Harry lived on Evanson, just across the street from the Old Grace Hospital. As a member of the Neighbours of Old Grace, he was a strong supporter of the construction of a housing co-op on the site.

Cheques can be made out to “Old Grace Housing Co-op.” Please write ” Harry Paine Memorial Rain Garden” in the memo line.

Donations can be dropped off at or mailed to Rob Altemeyer’s constituency office 202- 222 Furby Street, Winnipeg, R3C 2A7. They can also be dropped off at the Harry Paine Memorial Event, June 4, 2:00 PM at the West End Cultural Centre.

Electronic transfer can be made to oldgracehousingco-op@gmail.comFor further information call 204-453-9278

These donations are not tax receiptable.

What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is a garden planted in an intentionally depressed area in the landscape. Planted with grasses and flowering perennials, rain gardens collect rain water from a roof, driveway or street and reduce the flow of water into sewers. The water-loving plants in the garden take up the water, helping to slow its infiltration into the ground. Rain gardens can also help filter out pollutants in runoff and provide food and shelter for butterflies, song birds, and other wildlife.

Old Grace Housing Co-operative is committed to creating two rain gardens. One will be at the corner of Arlington and Preston, the other at the corner of Evanson and Preston, not far from where Harry Paine once lived. Both will be flanked by stands of Japanese birch trees.

The rain garden at Preston and Arlington will feature Saskatoon, Dwarf Birch, and Dogwood shrubs plus a variety of other perennial plants. The rain garden at Preston and Evanson will feature Dogwood, Honeysuckle and Nannyberry shrubs plus a variety of perennial plants. Click here to see a plan of the gardens.

The gallery below displays the full range of the plants that will be placed in these beautiful and environmental effective gardens. (All photos courtesy Shelmerdine Garden Centre, except Closed Gentian, which is courtesy Minnesota Wildflowers, photo credit Katy Chayka.)

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