Discover how MMF Minister Alfred “Bucky” Anderson transformed a 1998 Chevy van into the famous Métis Music Van during the pandemic, bringing the joy of fiddle music, heritage, and community celebration directly to the streets of Selkirk.
Discover the history of “The Comp”—Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School. Opened in 1971 to serve the region, explore its evolution from the community-driven build of its massive indoor pool and the addition of the George B. Schreyer Library, to its 20 years of dedicated cultural support through the Indigenous Student Centre.
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.
Established in 1897 by Walter “Harry” Gibbs, Gibbs’ Drug Store served as a beloved multi-generational cornerstone of daily life in Selkirk for over a century. From filling crucial after-hours prescriptions to providing postcards and souvenirs for tourists traveling aboard the S.S. Keenora, this historic downtown fixture faithfully served the community for 110 years before closing its doors in 2005.
From military training grounds to record-breaking fish hatcheries, Selkirk’s green spaces hold a deep history of bravery and community innovation. Discover the storied past behind Red Feather Farm, Veterans Memorial Gardens, and Murray Sinclair Park.
The 1929 Wall Street crash initially went unnoticed in Selkirk, but by mid-1930, the gloom of the Great Depression took hold. Discover how the community navigated severe layoffs, created vital “make-work” projects like the historic Selkirk Bridge, and ultimately found a path back to prosperity
In 1939, 31 close-knit neighbors from Selkirk’s Dufferin Avenue enlisted together to fight in World War II. Discover the remarkable story of “The Dufferin Gang”—a lifelong bond of childhood friends turned wartime heroes whose legacy deeply shaped our community.
“How many times have I travelled? I wish I knew… I have in the past gone to Hawaii, the Yosemite… to Alaska three times, up the Saskatchewan 1000 miles… I am a born nomad.” — Emma Shaw Colcleugh
Have you ever wondered who Selkirk’s streets are named after? Lace up your walking shoes and take a virtual tour to discover the famous—and infamous—historic figures behind local names like Morris Avenue and Schultz Avenue.