The McVicar Brothers’ woollen factory was built by Ontario immigrants near the corner of avenue Notre Dame and rue Taché during the summer of 1873. A pioneer of industry in north St. Boniface, the mill became a magnet which attracted other businesses and structures to the district. The 40’ x 60’ two-storey building quickly became an area landmark, turning out custom and manufacturing work for a larger hinterland. Machinery from Andover, Massachusetts and Galt, Ontario, powered by a twenty horsepower Waterous steam engine, accomplished this objective.
Destroyed by fire on 1 October 1877, the St. Boniface Woollen Mills were rebuilt in 1878 by a new owner, George Reid. Under him, the operation generated $30,000 worth of business in 1881, resulting in its expansion the following year. The plant was later run by Ryan and Goodland into the early twentieth century. By 1914, it was out of business.
A plaque commemorating the mills was erected at the northeast corner of Parc Joseph Royal, at the northwest corner of Tache Avenue and Provencher Boulevard.
St. Boniface Woollen Mills Plaque (2010)
Source: City of WinnipegSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.89190, W97.12550
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.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 21 February 2021
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