Saint-Boniface: The Roman Catholic Values that Shape its Landscape

Abstract

This paper begins by analyzing different divisions in the Saint-Boniface district. It explains the reasons for focusing on Central Saint-Boniface and more specifically on the Roman Catholic Church as leader in its landscape transformation. Three integral institutions, the cathedral, the college and the hospital, are used as case studies, exemplifying the church’s role in shaping Saint-Boniface’s townscape throughout history. The essay closes by discussing the effects of these institutions not only on the landscape, but also on the community and culture. Current characteristics of the townscape of Saint-Boniface are then briefly examined.