With home construction set to begin in RidgeWood West, Charleswood’s newest development, now is the perfect time to take a look back at the early beginnings of Charleswood, an iconic Winnipeg community with over three centuries of history.
The history of this storied community is well documented by the Charleswood Historical Society (CHS). Formed in 1974, the CHS is dedicated to preserving the history of this great community by honouring residents, exploring the past and preserving area artefacts.
Here is a brief history of Charleswood, from its humble beginnings as a route used by early bison hunters to its amalgamation into the City of Winnipeg in 1972:
Early History: Many different First Nations groups made seasonal use of what is now Charleswood, including its richness in fuel and food (fish, fowl and other animals) and what became known as “The Passage,” a natural fjord where the Assiniboine River was shallow enough to cross.
1670: The Charleswood area was originally part of the vast territory of Rupertsland, which was granted to the Hudson's Bay Company in 1670.
Early 19th Century: Now home to Kelly Passage Park at the foot of Berkley Street, “The Passage” was used by bison hunters travelling to Pembina, and independent traders looking to bypass the Forks in defiance of the Hudson's Bay Company’s monopoly.
1869: The Hudson's Bay Company cedes the territory to the Dominion of Canada.
1870: The Province of Manitoba is created.
1873: The City of Winnipeg is incorporated.
1880: The Rural Municipality of Assiniboia is incorporated, combining the Parishes of Headingley, St. Charles, St. James and part of St. Boniface on both sides of the Assiniboine.
1904: The City of Winnipeg purchases 283 acres of the Rural Municipality of Assiniboia for Assiniboine Park.
1905: The Tuxedo Park Company acquires 3,000 acres for a residential subdivision that became the Town of Tuxedo.
1906: Patrick Kelly moves to the area from Ontario, acquiring over 500 acres of land in the area.
1907: The first area Municipal Council meets in Patrick Kelly’s General Store.
1913: The Rural Municipality of Charleswood is incorporated. While the history of its name has not been clarified, many believe that it was either named for Charles Kelly who served on the first municipal council, or that it is named after the Parish name “St. Charles” and the dense woodland synonymous with the area.
1922: St Mary’s Anglican Church, Odd Fellows Home and Manitoba School for the Deaf in Tuxedo all open.
Prior to World War II: Prior to the war, Charleswood was largely rural, home to dairy and poultry farms, market gardens and mink ranchers.
Post World War II: The Veteran’s Land Act Project Roblin Park led to the expansion of Charleswood, and the area saw an influx of European immigrants. To accommodate this population growth, new schools, churches and recreation facilities were built.
1972: After 60 years as a separate municipality, Charleswood was amalgamated with the City of Winnipeg.
1995: The Charleswood Bridge opens, connecting Charleswood with the St. James-Assiniboia area of Winnipeg.
As families move into RidgeWood West, we look forward to our community being a part of this rich history and the continuing evolution of one of Winnipeg’s favorite neighbourhoods! To find out more about RidgeWood West, please contact one of our participating home builders.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of Charleswood, the CHS also runs the Charleswood Historical Society Museum, located at 5006 Roblin Boulevard between the Library and Fire Hall.
Timeline Source: The Charleswood History