From serving as a 13-year-old canteen boy on the S.S. Keenora to commanding naval warships and becoming the Mayor of Selkirk, Bill Shead’s life is a masterclass in leadership. Discover his incredible journey as a proud Cree naval officer, his royal appointments, and his decades of trailblazing volunteer service dedicated to Indigenous education and veterans.
From his childhood playing with wartime sugar rations to his record-breaking 18 years as Mayor, Robert “Bud” Oliver’s dedication to Selkirk is unmatched. Discover the fascinating life of our longest-serving mayor, his 35-year crusade against Red River flooding, and the hilarious 1986 radio duel that sparked the great “Catfish Capital” feud.
Standing an astonishing 40 feet tall, Selkirk Park was once home to a massive timber-and-concrete tribute to prairie history. Discover the fascinating story behind the world’s largest Red River cart, why its giant wheels are now used as summer flower beds, and how these squeaking, grease-free wooden vehicles completely mapped out modern Manitoba’s highway systems.
From its humble late-1970s beginnings in a church basement to a bustling, modern facility on Eveline Street, the Gordon Howard Senior Centre has redefined aging in Selkirk. Discover the inspiring legacy of Gordon Howard, his fight against ageist stereotypes, and how his vision continues to keep local retirees active, independent, and deeply connected
What do a hidden high school swimming pool, two former mayors, and a lifetime of community devotion have in common? They are all part of Selkirk’s incredible volunteer legacy. Discover the fascinating stories of grit and teamwork that shaped our city, and learn how an upcoming fireside chat is helping preserve our local heritage for generations to come.
Long before modern bridges spanned the Red River, a network of municipal cable ferries served as the ultimate lifeline for local communities. Discover the fascinating history of Selkirk’s early river crossings, the indigenous “bull boats” that inspired them, and the legendary, colorful vocabulary of “Commodore” Holgate.
From serving as a floating dance hall in Winnipeg to acting as a vital lifeline for remote northern communities, the vessels at the Marine Museum of Manitoba have incredible stories to tell. Discover the fascinating history of legendary ships like the S.S. Keenora and the C.G.S. Bradbury, and how they shaped Selkirk’s rich marine legacy.
From fostering 37 children worldwide to donating land for a local school playground, Ruth Hooker’s quiet generosity left a profound legacy in Selkirk. Discover her remarkable life as the United Church’s first female Deaconess, her post-war humanitarian efforts, and how her community-minded spirit lives on today.
From her quiet beginnings at Safeway to becoming Selkirk’s first elected First Nations woman councillor, Darlene Swiderski has spent decades quietly championing her community. Discover her inspiring journey through union activism, her mentorship of new leaders, and her unwavering dedication to local progress
From an ingenious 1933 prototype crafted out of an old Coca-Cola sign to a global industry standard, the Selkirk Chimney completely revolutionized home heating. Discover the fascinating story of local inventor Kelly Sveinson, how his lightweight insulated design prevented devastating house fires, and the gritty history of the “climbing boys” who risked it all before modern chimneys changed everything.