The intersection of Portage and Main streets in Winnipeg is one of the most well know intersections in Canada. It is a place for celebration, protest, and reflects Winnipeg’s history. It started out as nothing more than dirt paths following along the long lines of the old river lots created by HBC. These simple cart paths which reflect the modern placement can be seen in maps as far back as 1818. As was Winnipeg itself this intersection and its placement was determined by the rivers and their flood plains. The rivers which built this city repeated in concrete and stone.
