From a bustling 1920s tourism hotspot where day-trippers arrived by steamboat to dance the night away, Selkirk Park has always been the heart of the community’s recreation. This exhibit explores the rich history of this crown jewel on the Red River—from its early days hosting grand company picnics and open-air concerts to its modern role welcoming campers and housing the historic Marine Museum of Manitoba.
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.
Long before it held a monument to the fallen, this historic riverbank site was home to Western Canada’s largest national fish hatchery. This exhibit uncovers the transformation of the grounds—from its 1892 industrial roots to a hard-fought battle by local veterans to protect the prime real estate from developers, securing it as a lasting sanctuary of remembrance.
Established in 1966 just as the surrounding neighborhood began to grow, Penwarden Park stands as a tribute to community dedication. This exhibit explores the park’s history—from its early development and subsequent modern expansions to the legacy of William “Bill” Penwarden, an engineer who spent his life championing local youth sports and recreation.
Sitting at a historic junction that once served as a busy ferry crossing, Queen’s Park tells a story of community pride and royal celebration. This exhibit explores how the local Odd Fellows lodge worked to beautify the vacant lot, and how the site was officially transformed into a lasting tribute for Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 Coronation Day.
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.