Harold Newton
Discover the life of Harold Newton, a dedicated local historian and Selkirk Council member whose passionate research preserved the foundational stories of our community.
Discover the life of Harold Newton, a dedicated local historian and Selkirk Council member whose passionate research preserved the foundational stories of our community.
From his roots in England to becoming one of Selkirk’s premier pioneers, explore the remarkable life of William Gibbs—the beloved town baker, civic leader, and community builder.
From a heavily polluted lifeline to a landmark environmental victory: discover how the Town of Selkirk fought the Province and the City of Winnipeg to save the Red River.
Discover the incredible legacy of Selkirk’s Langlois family—from their roots in boatbuilding and life on Hecla Island to the remarkable story of nine brothers who all served in WWII and returned home safely.
Step back in time to Selkirk’s favourite mid-century gathering spot. Discover the history, the memories, and the community legacy of the iconic Dinette.
Meet Alice Belanger and Darlene Swiderski—two trailblazing leaders who broke barriers and brought vital new perspectives to Selkirk’s town council.
From bucket brigades to motorized engines, explore the history of the Selkirk Fire Department and the hilarious, lighthearted story behind the legendary Frank Hooker Driving Award.
Born in St. Peters in 1906 and a descendant of Chief Peguis, Amy Clemons was a pillar of Manitoba’s Friendship Centre movement. As Executive Director of the Selkirk Friendship Centre, she dedicated her life to community service, youth programs, and Cree language preservation. Her tireless advocacy against prejudice earned her Manitoba’s 1970 “Woman of the Year” honors and the Order of Canada in 1973.
Established on Main Street in 1927 by Russian immigrant Harry Rifkin and his wife Freda with just $200, Rifkin’s evolved from a modest, seven-day-a-week general store—complete with a taxi service and hot dog stand—into a beloved downtown fashion staple. Moving to its final location at 212 Manitoba Avenue in 1945, the business was later transformed by their son Max and his style-savvy wife Lucy into a modern ladies’ clothing boutique, elegantly serving generations of local shoppers for 61 years until its closure in 1988.
Opened on February 11, 1963, by Ken and Ethel Crowder at 241 Manitoba Avenue, Ethel’s Flower Shop was a cherished community fixture for over half a century. Later owned and operated by Lena Van Blaricom and subsequently Ethel Keith as a passionate family affair, this bustling downtown shop brought comfort and joy to Selkirk residents by supplying fresh floral arrangements for generations of weddings, holidays, and milestones until its closure in 2014.