From its origins as a 1907 “tin-covered monster” rink to its official 1949 rebirth as a pillar of community recreation, the Selkirk Arena has stood as a proud testament to a “big-little sports city.” Discover how local fundraising, innovative architecture, and a deep-seated love for the game shaped Selkirk’s most iconic gathering place for generations of hockey fans and community events.
From a bustling 1950s neighborhood playground built by local volunteers to a permanent symbol of reconciliation, this park holds a deeply inspiring story. This exhibit highlights the site’s evolution from the old Kinsmen North Playground into a space dedicated to the lasting legacy of the Honorable Murray Sinclair, celebrating his historic path from local resident to national leader.
From a premier 1910s poultry ranch to a wartime military barracks, Red Feather Farm holds a fascinating place in Selkirk’s history. This exhibit uncovers how its massive chicken barns were transformed into quarters for the 108th Battalion—affectionately nicknamed “The Roosters”—before they deployed to the front lines of the First World War.
Enter a modern era of transformation and renewal. From 1980 to 2010, Selkirk navigated shifting economic tides, witnessing major shifts in local industry, the evolution of community infrastructure, and key cultural milestones that redefined the city’s identity heading into the 21st century.
The Modern Town 1947-1979
Resilience in the face of hardship defined Selkirk during the turbulent years of 1929 to 1946. This chapter of the timeline explores how the community navigated the economic devastation of the Great Depression, steadily acquired vital new town assets, and rallied together through the heavy sacrifices of the Second World War.
Step into a transformative era of modernization and grit. Between 1911 and 1928, Selkirk charged into a new industrial age, reshaping its infrastructure with the arrival of electricity, a brand-new sewage system, and expanding manufacturing sectors that would power the community through the early 20th century.
Step back to the foundational years of 1882 and 1883, when Selkirk was officially incorporated as a town. This section of the timeline explores the election of our very first Mayor, the establishment of pioneering local businesses, and the resilient early residents who laid the groundwork for the community we know today.
History is made every minute, and the City of Selkirk is marrying heritage with cutting-edge technology to launch its brand-new virtual museum. Discover how this innovative, community-owned digital hub transforms the city’s streets, waterfront, and historic milestones into an interactive museum experience accessible right from your smartphone.
From drafting Selkirk’s very first town plans to carving out the heart of downtown Winnipeg, the Vaughan family literally drew the lines of Manitoba’s history. This exhibit explores the legacy of pioneering surveyors Amos and Lynds Smith Vaughan, their rise to local political power, and the prominent riverboat captains and politicians who made Vaughan Avenue the town’s most prestigious corner.