Historic Sites of Manitoba: Union Bank Building / Bank of Nova Scotia Building (190 Nelson Street, Virden)

This two-storey brick and stone building at the corner of Nelson Street West and Seventh Avenue South in Virden, measuring 25 feet by 50 feet, was built in 1912 as a branch of the Union Bank of Canada to replace a previous branch next door. In 1925, when the bank merged with the Royal Bank of Canada, it continued as a branch of the new company until closing in 1933.

The building became the law offices of Brayford, Buckingham and Doak. In 1951, it was occupied by the Bank of Nova Scotia which, in 1987, purchased the original building next door and renovated it to become part of the same structure.

The bank closed in 2024.

The former Union Bank Building at Virden (October 2017) Source: George Penner The former Union Bank Building at Virden (May 2019) Source: Gordon Goldsborough The former Union Bank Building at Virden (July 2022) Source: Jordan Makichuk Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.85041, W100.93103 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Manitoba Business: Union Bank of Canada

Manitoba Business: Royal Bank of Canada

Manitoba Business: Bank of Nova Scotia

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Union Bank Building / Virden Land Titles Office (184 Nelson Street West, Virden)

Sources:

The Virden Story by Ida Clingan, Virden: Empire Publishing Company, 1957, pages 62-63. [Legislative Library of Manitoba]

Heritage Buildings - Nelson Street / Original Union Bank Building - 190 Nelson Street, Virden Downtown Heritage District.

We thank Terry Johnson for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by George Penner.

Page revised: 10 April 2025

Historic Sites of Manitoba This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only. SEARCH the collection Browse lists of: Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | Other Inclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner. Site information is provided by the Manitoba Historical Society as a free public service only for non-commercial purposes. Send corrections and additions to this page to the MHS Webmaster at webmaster@mhs.mb.ca. Search Tips | Suggest an Historic Site | FAQ Help us keep history alive!