What do a hidden high school swimming pool, two former mayors, and a lifetime of community devotion have in common? They are all part of Selkirk’s incredible volunteer legacy. Discover the fascinating stories of grit and teamwork that shaped our city, and learn how an upcoming fireside chat is helping preserve our local heritage for generations to come.
Long before modern bridges spanned the Red River, a network of municipal cable ferries served as the ultimate lifeline for local communities. Discover the fascinating history of Selkirk’s early river crossings, the indigenous “bull boats” that inspired them, and the legendary, colorful vocabulary of “Commodore” Holgate.
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
From managing patients alongside inmates at Lower Fort Garry to pioneering humane, non-restraint treatment at Selkirk’s first proper asylum, Dr. David Young fundamentally reshaped psychiatric care in Manitoba. Discover the fascinating legacy of this beloved physician, his therapeutic farming programs, and the local landmarks that still bear his name today.
What do world-record catfish, a historic steel mill, an iconic water tower, and a Great Depression-era lift bridge have in common? They are the towering symbols that put Selkirk on the map. Discover the fascinating stories behind our city’s four most distinguishable landmarks and how they shaped our history