A park at the foot of Selkirk Avenue along the Red River in Winnipeg was purchased by the Winnipeg Parks Board in exchange with the Winnipeg Hydro-electric Department, which had bought space previously in Victoria Park to establish a standby water plant. On 19 July 1923, it was named Norquay Park in commemoration of early Manitoba Premier John Norquay who, in the 1880s, had resided on nearby Hallet Street. A wading pool was installed later that summer, with landscaping, tree planting, and beautification efforts in the following years.
A monument commemorating the location of the first Children’s Hospital of Winnipeg, originally founded in February 1909, is located adjacent to the Norquay Community Centre. It was unveiled by Prince Edward on 2 June 2008. The park itself was renamed for Governor General Michaelle Jean on 12 July 2010.
The original Children’s Hospital (1909)
Source: Archives of Manitoba, Winnipeg - Hospitals - Children’s (1) 2
The original Children’s Hospital (c1910)
Source: Archives of Manitoba, Winnipeg - Hospitals - Children’s (1) 3
Children’s Hospital of Winnipeg commemorative monument (October 2014)
Source: Nathan KramerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.91106, W97.12780
denoted by symbol on the map above
“Norquay Park city’s latest,” Winnipeg Tribune, 20 July 1923, page 3.
“Norquay Park,” Manitoba Free Press, 20 July 1923, page 6.
“Parks used by record crowds,” Winnipeg Tribune, 2 January 1924, page 6.
“Early opening record for athletic tracks,” Manitoba Free Press, 16 May 1924, page 8.
“First citizen plants tree,” Winnipeg Tribune, 5 May 1932, page 3.
Agenda – Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services – July 12, 2010, City of Winnipeg Clerks Decision Making Information System.
“One weird, wonderful road,” Winnipeg Free Press, 15 September 2013, page A8.
“Point Douglas green space named after Gov.-Gen. Michaelle Jean,” Winnipeg Free Press, 12 July 2010.
This page was prepared by Nathan Kramer.
Page revised: 25 April 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!
