Historic Sites of Manitoba: Winnipeg Law Courts Building (391 Broadway, Winnipeg)

Link to:
Photos & Coordinates | Sources

The construction of this monumental court house between 1912 and 1916 by the National Construction Company (formerly Kelly-Simpson Company), on a design by architect Victor Horwood, marked the peak of a period of dramatic growth for Winnipeg. Its classically-inspired design complemented the nearby Legislative Building and provided an impressive symbol for Manitoba’s court system. The high quality of craftsmanship evident throughout the building reflected the extensive capabilities of the local construction industry at that time. The Law Courts illustrate the importance Canadians have long attached to a strong judicial system, as well as the pride and optimism of the people who conceived and built it. A plaque was erected by the Law Courts building by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. In 2016, a renovation project in the building received a Conservation Award from Heritage Winnipeg.

A plaque inside the building, dedicated on 9 September 1985 by Attorney General Roland Penner, commemorates the 150th anniversary of establishing the Provincial Court of Manitoba. On 12 February 1835, at Fort Garry, the council for the Red River Settlement, District of Assiniboia, Ruperts Land, divided the settlement into four districts and, as of 1 May 1835, appointed four justices for the settlement:

James Curtis Bird (c1773-1856)

Cuthbert James Grant (1793-1854)

Robert Logan (1778-1866)

James Sutherland (c1777-1844)

Photos & Coordinates

Winnipeg Law Courts Building (September 2013) Source: Gordon Goldsborough Winnipeg Law Courts Building (July 2018) Source: George Penner Court commemorative plaque inside the Winnipeg Law Courts Building (February 2023) Source: Glen Toews Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.88666, W97.14585 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Law Society War Memorial (391 Broadway, Winnipeg)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Manitoba Plaques for Persons, Events and Sites of National Historic Significance

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Beautiful Plains County Court House (282 Hamilton Street, Neepawa)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Brandon Court House (1104 Princess Avenue, Brandon)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Dauphin Law Courts Building (River Avenue West, Dauphin)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Minnedosa Court House (70 Third Avenue SW, Minnedosa)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Morden Court House and Gaol (Wardrop Street, Morden)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Sam Waller Museum / The Pas Community Building and Court House (306 Fischer Avenue, The Pas)

Memorable Manitobans: Judges of Manitoba

Sources:

The Early Court Houses of Manitoba by R. R. Rostecki, Parks Canada Manuscript Report No. 285, 1977. [Copy at Legislative Library of Manitoba, RBC FC3362 Ros]

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 Darryl Toews, George Penner, and Glen Toews for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 29 March 2023

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!