In 1985, local fisherman Chuck Norquay wrote to Babe Winkelman, host of the American television show Good Fishing, hoping to showcase Selkirk as the “Catfish Capital of North America.” His letter caught Winkelman’s eye, leading to a filming session along the Red River where the crew caught nearly 200 pounds of catfish in a single day—a massive success that launched Norquay’s successful new career as a local fishing guide for eager tourists.
During Selkirk’s 1982 Centennial, a royal luncheon for Princess Anne aboard the MS Lord Selkirk turned into an unexpected kitchen comedy. When the head chef got so nervous he overindulged in the cooking wine and turned the kitchen upside down, a local health inspector and a doctor had to step in, completely from scratch, to save the day—culminating in a last-minute menu swap from Goldeye to Pickerel.
From its 1920s beginnings equipped with borrowed tools to a striking appearance in an Oscar-winning Hollywood film, Gilbart Funeral Home is one of Selkirk’s most enduring landmarks. Discover the fascinating four-generation legacy of this local institution, the trailblazing businesswoman who blossomed the family trade, and the grand Queen Anne Revival heritage home that holds it all together.
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
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.
From the revolutionary German printing press of the 17th century to the digital screens in our pockets today, how we share stories has completely transformed. Discover the fascinating evolution of print media in our community, the postwar rivalry that birthed the Selkirk Enterprise, and how the Selkirk Record grew to shape local voices across the region.
From captaining Red River boat brigades to navigating the intense political waters of the Red River Resistance, Thomas Sinclair Jr. was a beloved pillar of early Manitoba. Discover the remarkable life of this former magistrate and early Selkirk Mayor, whose sudden passing cast a profound gloom over a community that considered him a friend to all