The Assiniboine Conservatory has been open for over 100 years. It will be closing its doors on April 2nd after its farewell celebration concludes at 2 p.m.

On January 12, Assiniboine Park Conservancy announced the closure of the Assiniboine Conservatory. Laura Cabak, Marketing and Communications Specialist with the Assiniboine Park Conservancy explains.

"In 2008, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy took over the park and zoo. Because of this, it required changes. We expanded the duck pond, we introduced the program, we built the family centre, and we knew that the zoo which was in need of attention." She says, "even back then, there was a study that said the renovation of the conservatory was not cost effective if we want to give our visitors world-class experience. The new facility is under construction. Unfortunately, this does mean the days are coming to an end for the conservatory. It just wasn't feasible."

Cabak says, "some of the plants we have tried to salvage. Many of the smaller plant material will be moved to Toucan Ridge in the Assiniboine Zoo. However, some of these trees are very old and are rooted right into the foundation. Unfortunately, they cannot be saved when this building comes down. But we will turn over some of the wood material to woodturners who will hopefully create mementoes that will be offered to the public as souvenirs."

The fish and turtles currently in the conservatory will be implemented into the zoo. The memorial donors that have plaques placed on benches within the facility have been contacted and will be given options as to what they'd like to do with their benches. Particular location space of the conservatory will be converted to public green space.

She also notes that a decision was made to create something new to replace the conservatory. It's Canada's Diversity Gardens.

#Conservatoryfarewell is being used online for those that wish to share their memories of this beloved getaway location. You can also submit them to their website, via email, or mail to them at the conservancy. An open house will take place during its final week from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and will feature a slideshow of stories for people that have visited over the years. The farewell celebration is free and open to those who want to come in and visit for the last time. It takes place Easter Monday, April 2nd.

Cabak hopes that people will take the time to visit before its closure. Assiniboine Conservancy knows how important this place is to people, so they hope people will go down memory lane with them and share this loss. She feels that it is a wonderful place to get a 'healthy dose of green', but it is a temporary loss.

"We're building a bigger future, so we hope that you can share our excitement as well. In order to give our kids and grandkids great experiences, we have to do something different for the future. There is a lot to be excited to be about in Canada's Diversity Gardens."