The “Witch’s Hut”, as it is referred to by locals, was designed by Walter Moffat Scott and constructed in 1915. Closing in 1977, it pumped local sewage into the Red River from a large pit located some 25 feet underground. The four columns that look like chimneys served as vents to allow the sewer gas to escape from the 40-foot diameter pit.
This pump station was the finale of a $215,000 water system project during a tremendous population boom in Transcona. Once complete, the town council announced it would no longer collect outhouse waste, and thereby established a flat rate for water of $2.00 quarterly for every house.
This structure was retired in 1988 by the Waterworks, Waste and Disposal Department, and turned over for restoration and ongoing upkeep to the Parks and Recreation Department.
“Witch’s Hut” and Transcona Sewage Lift Station Plaque (2010)
Source: City of Winnipeg
“Witch’s Hut” and Transcona Sewage Lift Station Plaque (July 2023)
Source: Rose KuzinaSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.90015, W97.02525
denoted by symbol on the map above
Information for this page was provided by The City of Winnipeg’s Planning, Property and Development Department, which acknowledges the contribution of the Government of Manitoba through its Heritage Grants Program.
We thank Rose Kuzina for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 21 July 2023
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