THE Friends of Upper Fort Garry are very supportive of additional housing in downtown Winnipeg. But there are other suitable building sites available that don't require carving up Manitoba's most historically significant piece of history -- the city- owned lands on which the Upper Fort Garry gate now stands and those adjacent to it where the original fort once stood.

Those who maintain that an apartment building on the southwest corner will not compromise the site clearly have a different concept of "world class" than do the Friends. Esthetics aside, what sort of development is possible when the heritage site is only a few feet from apartment dwellers' balconies? The only possible development is some form of a quiet, restful park with a few commemorative plaques. Winnipeg does not need another quiet, restful park. The ones we have now are grossly underutilized because there is nothing to attract residents or visitors.

The Friends are extremely pleased with the support from private donors and the general public for this heritage park and continue to welcome donations. To date, the general public, businesses and foundations have contributed $2.5 million toward our $3.5 million public campaign goal. We are also very appreciative of the province's support to date, and look forward to further discussions with all levels of government. Together we can create an exciting future for Upper Fort Garry.