This fibreglass sculpture on the median strip of Regent Avenue West, in the Transcona area of Winnipeg, was created in 1968 by sculptor George Barone as a mascot for the annual Hi Neighbour Festival. Referred to as “Hi Neighbour Sam,” he stood originally at the intersection of Regent Avenue and Lagimodiere Boulevard. Refurbished in the 1980s, he was moved to the vicinity of a Canadian Tire store and was known as “Canadian Tire Guy.” In Fall 2009, he was restored again and moved to this site. He was removed again in December 2021 for further restoration work.
Hi Neighbour Sam Monument (September 2021)
Source: Nathan KramerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.89520, W97.02803
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Giorgio “George” Barone (1916-1992)
“Hi neighbor Sam,” Winnipeg Free Press, 21 March 2009, page 149.
Hi Neighbour Sam - Transcona, Winnipeg MB, Waymarking.
“Restoration to return friendly neighbour to former glory,” Winnipeg Free Press, 7 December 2021.
This page was prepared by Nathan Kramer and Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 7 December 2021
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.
Browse lists of:
Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | OtherInclusion 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.Help us keep history alive!
