Built in 1896 along Eaton Avenue, this historic three-story school was completely gutted by a devastating fire in 1906. Reconstructed with a lower profile and much-anticipated open-trough fire escapes, it served generations of students as a central educational hub and later housed the local library before its final demolition in 1972.
Built in just five months in 1959, this landmark school was named after the former Manitoba Rolling Mills manager and Selkirk Mayor. It grew quickly to meet the demands of rural school consolidation, eventually expanding into a vibrant elementary hub that even shared its space with the Selkirk Public Library in the 1970s.
Long before mechanical refrigeration took over in the 1950s, local ice cutters braved brutal winter conditions along the Red River and Lake Winnipeg. Working from December to April, these crews harvested 50- to 100-pound blocks of ice to supply commercial fisheries, preserve food, and later help clear the river to prevent devastating spring floods.
Reflect on the enduring legacy of Howard Pawley, who served as the MLA for Selkirk from 1969 to 1988 and as the Premier of Manitoba from 1981 to 1988. From his early days establishing a local law practice to his pivotal work introducing public auto insurance, expanding senior housing, and mentoring future leaders like Murray Sinclair, his career deeply shaped both local and provincial history.
Explore the life of Bob I. R. Scramstad, from his upbringing in Manitoba to his WWII service with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, which earned him honorary citizenship in a liberated Belgian village. A proud member of the Dufferin Gang, he returned home to dedicate 38 years to the Manitoba Rolling Mills and receive a lifetime membership from the Royal Canadian Legion.
Discover the brave story of Blair Gunter, a local crane operator who helped build the iconic Selkirk Lift Bridge before enlisting in World War II. Explore his service as a tank gunner with the Fort Garry Horse, his harrowing D-Day landing on Juno Beach with fellow Dufferin Gang members, and his nearly three decades of dedicated post-war service to the Town of Selkirk.
Discover the evolving history of Selkirk’s northward education, starting with the 1906 construction of Northward School on Superior Avenue. Explore its 1920 renaming to Victoria School, its 1968 merger with the newly built Ruth Hooker School, and the enduring legacy of the community leaders and educators who shaped it.
Discover the remarkable story of Beatrice Gunter, a dedicated community leader and one of the pioneering women in Selkirk’s local governance. Explore her decades of passionate advocacy for community development, her impactful tenure on city council, and her enduring legacy in shaping the social fabric of the region.
Discover the remarkable life of Allan Sinclair, from his adventurous childhood in Selkirk to his brave, quick-thinking rescue of a family from the Red River. Explore his wartime service across Europe and North Africa with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, and his proud legacy as a member of the historic Dufferin Gang.
Discover how the Selkirk Community Arts Centre has championed local creativity since 1985. Housed in the historic post office building on Manitoba Avenue, explore how this vibrant hub—run by the Gwen Fox Gallery—provides regional artists with a space to showcase their work, offers community art classes, and preserves Selkirk’s cultural heritage.