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These plaques are erected by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, the body that advises the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture on places, events and people of national historic significance. Since its creation in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada has been a significant partner within the heritage community in Canada. Members of the HSMBC are appointed by the Governor-in-Council with representatives for each province and territory along with persons from Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, and Parks Canada.
The following are the persons, events, and sites in Manitoba commemorated by the HSMBC to date:
Person
Designation Date
Plaque Location
William George Barker (1894-1930)
15 July 1998
Municipal Airport, Dauphin
George Bryce (1844-1931)
21 May 1947
515 Portage Avenue (University of Winnipeg), Winnipeg
Thomas Button (c1601-1634)
19 October 1972
Gillam Island, Northern Manitoba
Thomas Alexander Crerar (1876-1975)
5 March 2004
Main Street, Russell, Russell-Binscarth
John Wesley Dafoe (1866-1944)
15 November 1974
1355 Mountain Avenue (Winnipeg Free Press Building), Winnipeg
Thomas Douglas (1771-1820)
20 May 1943
300 Memorial Boulevard, Winnipeg
John Skirving Ewart (1849-1933)
25 May 1966
224 Dysart Road (Robson Hall), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
Marie-Anne Gaboury (1782-1875)
15 January 1981
Whittier Park, Winnipeg
Cyril Genik (1857-1925)
24 November 1995
25 Forks Market Road (Johnston Terminal Building), Winnipeg
Charles William Gordon [Ralph Conner] (1860-1937)
19 May 1938
54 West Gate (Ralph Connor House), Winnipeg
Cuthbert James Grant (1796-1854)
19 October 1972
St. Francois Xavier, RM of St. Francois Xavier
Abraham Albert Heaps (1885-1954)
12 January 2010
King Street (City Hall), Winnipeg
Samuel Hearne (1745-1792)
28 May 1936
Prince of Wales’ Fort, Churchill
William Hespeler (1830-1921)
15 November 2000
Fourth Street South, Niverville
Ella Cora Hind (1861-1942)
22 September 1997
300 Carlton Street (former Winnipeg Free Press Building), Winnipeg
John P. Humphrey (1905-1995)
23 June 2022
?
Sigtryggur Jónasson (1852-1942)
12 January 2010
53 Reggie Leach Road East, Riverton, Bifrost-Riverton
Israel Isaac Kahanovitch (1872-1945)
12 January 2010
123 Doncaster Street (Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada), Winnipeg
Henry Kelsey (c1667-1724)
28 May 1931
Saskatchewan Crescent, The Pas
William Kennedy (1814-1890)
23 June 2022
Awaiting installation
Jean-Baptiste Lagimodiere (c1777-1855)
15 January 1981
Whittier Park, Winnipeg
Jean Margaret Wemyss “Peggy” Laurence (1926-1987)
30 September 2014
312 First Avenue (Margaret Laurence House), Neepawa
Pierre Gaultier de la Verendrye (1685-1749)
30 January 1920
The Forks, Winnipeg
Matonabbee (c1737-1782)
13 November 1981
Prince of Wales’ Fort, Churchill
Arthur Meighen (1874-1960)
23 May 1961
Brandon Avenue (Island Park), Portage la Prairie
Alexander Morris (1826-1889)
27 May 1971
350 Main Street South, Morris
Margaret Newton (1887-1971)
22 September 1997
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
John Norquay (1841-1889)
20 May 1943
Assiniboine Avenue, Winnipeg
Harold Anthony “Doc” Oaks (1896-1968)
15 November 1974
2088 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg
Josef Oleskow (1860-1903)
22 September 1997
100 Main Street South, Dauphin
Elizabeth Fulton Parker (1856-1944)
19 July 2011
Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Peguis (1774-1864)
11 April 2008
St. Peter Dynevor Anglican Church, RM of St. Clements
Thomas George “Tommy” Prince (1915-1977)
26 July 2019
Awaiting installation
Louis Riel (1844-1885)
29 May 1956
330 River Road (Riel House), Winnipeg
Joseph-Nöel Ritchot (1825-1905)
16 November 1990
Assiniboine Avenue, Winnipeg
Alexander Ross (1783-1856)
30 May 1951
140 Meade Street North (Ross House Museum), Winnipeg
Gabrielle Roy (1909-1983)
28 March 2009
375 Deschambault Street (Gabrielle Roy House), Winnipeg
Ernest Thompson Seton (1860-1946)
6 July 1995
116 Main Street (Gardiner Building), Carberry
Clifford Sifton (1861-1929)
10 May 1955
Ninth Street (Brandon City Hall), Brandon
Thomas Simpson (1808-1840)
20 May 1937
Anderson Avenue, Winnipeg
Frank Leith Skinner (1882-1967)
12 March 1998
Dropmore (Skinner Arboretum), RM of Riding Mountain West
Vilhjalmur Stefansson (1879-1962)
27 October 1964
Arnes, RM of Gimli
Thanadelthur (1697-1717)
28 March 2000
La Verendrye Avenue, Churchill
James Kenneth “Ken” Watson (1904-1986)
30 September 2014
286 Regal Avenue (St. Vital Curling Club), Winnipeg
James Shaver Woodsworth (1874-1942)
19 October 1972
470 Stella Avenue, Winnipeg
Event
Designation Date
Plaque Location
4 June 1924
180 Higgins Avenue, Winnipeg
30 September 2025
?
Assiniboine Park and Zoo
6 June 2016
?
13 November 1981
Grand Valley Road, Brandon
18 November 1983
300 Commonwealth Way, Brandon
Canadian Federation of University Women
19 July 2011
Plaque to be installed at Ralph Connor House
Construction of the Hudson Bay Railway
5 June 1994
The Pas (awaiting installation)
17 May 1948
The Forks, Winnipeg
25 May 1933
Centrale Avenue, Ste. Anne
16 May 1930
26 July 2019
Oak Hammock Marsh Conservation Centre, RM of Rockwood
Early Science in Canada’s North and the Hudson’s Bay Company
27 February 2018
28 May 1931
Fort Alexander, Sagkeeng First Nation (plaque removed)
10 June 1999
20 May 1943
433 Main Street, Winnipeg (plaque removed)
7 June 1954
29 May 1972
130 Main Street (Upper Fort Garry), Winnipeg
20 May 1943
20 April 2009
331 Smith Street (Marlborough Hotel), Winnipeg
19 May 1927
15 May 1946
22 September 1997
Fort Dufferin, Emerson-Franklin
Red River Expedition of 1870
20 July 2017
?
28 May 1934
7 July 2014
380 Graham Avenue, Winnipeg
Tackaberry Skates
23 June 2022
?
22 September 1997
364 Smith Street (Burton Cummings Theatre), Winnipeg
26 July 2019
580 Victor Street (First Lutheran Church), Winnipeg
15 November 1974
William Avenue, Winnipeg
Site
Designation Date
Plaque Location
30 January 1920
Main Street, Winnipeg
16 January 1980
282 Hamilton Street, Neepawa
17 October 2001
15 November 1973
19 July 2011
12 June 1982
181 Higgins Avenue, Winnipeg
24 June 1988
6 November 1976
457 Main Street, Winnipeg
16 November 1990
61 Carlton Street, Winnipeg
4 May 1999
Fairgrounds, Brandon
15 January 1981
456 Main Street, Winnipeg
1975
Keystone Pioneers Museum, Roblin (no plaque installed)
1976
171 Main Street, Winnipeg (demolished 1982)
Exchange District
22 September 1997
King Street, Winnipeg
16 May 1945
23 July 2020
Crescent Road West, Portage la Prairie
22 September 1997
504 Main Street, Winnipeg
1920
20 May 1937
15 January 1981
222 Broadway, Winnipeg
15 May 1925
Forts Rouge, Garry and Gibraltar
4 June 1924
3 November 1958
494 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg
23 February 1990
256 Smith Street, Winnipeg
24 November 1995
15 November 1973
No plaque installed
31 May 1950
28 March 2009
375 Deschambault Street, Winnipeg
10 June 1991
281 Donald Street, Winnipeg
15 June 1976
24 February 1989
30 May 1932
15 November 1986
180 Market Avenue, Winnipeg
13 June 1983
55 Saskatchewan Avenue West, Portage la Prairie
30 January 1920
20 April 2009
54 West Gate, Winnipeg
15 November 2000
Awaiting installation as of 2019
6 November 1992
Riding Mountain National Park
11 June 1976
330 River Road, Winnipeg
1 March 1991
40 Osborne Street, Winnipeg
20 April 2009
174 Market Avenue, Winnipeg
16 November 1990
20 February 1970
15 May 1962
23 November 1984
219 Provencher Boulevard, Winnipeg
12 March 1998
431 Avenue Taché, Winnipeg
20 November 1987
Sea Horse Gully Remains
23 October 1969
No plaque installed
14 July 2023
115 Rupertsland Boulevard East, Winnipeg
1927
18 May 1974
The Forks, Winnipeg
15 May 1962
22 September 1997
22 September 1997
1106 First Street NW, Dauphin
20 April 2009
591 Pritchard Avenue, Winnipeg
15 June 1976
123 Main Street, Winnipeg
10 June 1991
364 Smith Street, Winnipeg
22 September 1997
15 January 1981
391 Broadway, Winnipeg
28 May 1936
Hayes River, Northern Manitoba
National historic sites are places of profound importance to Canada. They bear witness to our nation’s defining moments and illustrate its human creativity and cultural traditions. Each national historic site tells its own unique story, part of the greater story of Canada, contributing to a sense of time, identity, and place to our understanding of Canada as a whole.
National historic sites, located in all provinces and territories, can be found in almost any setting – from urban to rural locales, to wilderness environments. They may be sacred places, battlefields, archaeological sites, buildings or streetscapes. They can range in size from a single structure to linear canals spanning great distances. Many national historic sites are still used today for work and worship, commerce and industry, habitation and leisure.
In addition to sites, Canada also commemorates persons and events for their national historic significance. So far 2,000 places, persons and events have been commemorated by the Government of Canada. And the list keeps growing as Canada’s history unfolds.
Together, all of these commemorations make up what is known as the system of National Historic Sites of Canada. In each generation the system has evolved with the nation’s changing view of itself. Today there is a greater interest in social history reflecting the achievements and experiences of everyday Canadians.
Parks Canada monitors the system through a system plan and is now making special efforts to encourage participation and increase the representation of Aboriginal, women and enthnocultural communities’ history.
The National Historic Sites System Plan covers the entire range of Canadian human history under five broad themes:
• Peopling the Land
• Governing Canada
• Developing Economies
• Building Social and Community Life
• Expressing Intellectual and Cultural Life
Parks Canada supports the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC), the body that advises the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture on national historic significance. Since its creation in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada has been a significant partner within the heritage community in Canada. Members of the HSMBC are appointed by the Governor in Council. There is one representative for each of the provinces and three territories. As well, the National Archivist and an officer of the Museum of Civilization are members.
Because of the great deal of work involved in carrying out its mandate, the Board has struck a number of committees with specific areas of responsibility. Overall control is exercised by: the Executive Committee made up of the Chairperson of the Board and the Chairpersons of the other committees.
The Criteria Committee determines criteria and guidelines for evaluating the national historic importance of places, people and events.
The Cultural Communities Committee brings to the Board recommendations for commemoration of the contributions of Canada’s diverse cultural groups and Aboriginal Peoples.
The Inscriptions Committee is responsible for ensuring the appropriateness and accuracy of all plaque texts.
The Thematic Studies and System Plan Committee is responsible for reviewing the National Historic Sites System Plan and for bringing before the Board themes in Canadian history which it considers nationally significant.
The Built Environment Committee is charged with assessing the national significance of buildings, including historic districts and streetscapes, and it may recommend the selection, preservation, and interpretation of in situ resources.
The Status of Designations Committee is responsible for clarifying names, the features and boundaries of national historic sites and the intent of existing designations.
The Director General, National Historic Sites Directorate, Parks Canada Agency, acts as the Secretary of the Board. Under the Secretary’s guidance, Parks Canada conducts historical and archaeological research in support of the Board, provides a secretariat which handles administrative matters, and implements the Minister’s decisions upon the advice of the Board.
The HSMBC’s agenda is in large part driven by public concerns as it responds to requests that places, people or events be declared of national historic significance. Consideration of designations of national historic significance are made on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the Board’s evaluation criteria and guidelines within the context of the wide spectrum of Canada’s human history.
Each year, the Board receives well over 200 requests, of which 50 to 70 will generate research papers from the Historical Services Branch or the Archaeological Services Branch of the National Historic Sites Directorate of the Parks Canada Agency. The reports assist the Board in its deliberations. Alternatively, the applicant may elect to prepare the research paper with the assistance of the Agency.
The Board convenes biannually, usually in June and November. Depending on prior commitments and the complexity of the subject under review, up to two years may elapse between the time of application and the Board’s consideration of the subject.
Any aspect of Canada’s human history may be considered for Ministerial designation of national historic significance. To be considered for designation, a place, a person or an event will have had a nationally significant impact on Canadian history, or will illustrate a nationally important aspect of Canadian human history.
Subjects that qualify for national historic significance will meet one or more of the following criteria:
1. A place may be designated of national historic significance by virtue of a direct association with a nationally significant aspect of Canadian history. An archaeological site, structure, building, group of buildings, district, or cultural landscape of potential national historic significance will:
a) illustrate an exceptional creative achievement in concept and design, technology and/or planning, or a significant stage in the development of Canada; or
b) illustrate or symbolize in whole or in part a cultural tradition, a way of life, or ideas important in the development of Canada; or
c) be most explicitly and meaningfully associated or identified with persons who are deemed of national historic importance; or
d) be most explicitly and meaningfully associated or identified with events that are deemed of national historic importance.
2. A person (or persons) may be designated of national historic significance if that person individually or as the representative of a group made an outstanding and lasting contribution to Canadian history.
3. An event may be designated of national historic significance if it represents a defining action, episode, movement, or experience in Canadian history.
Considerations for designation of national historic significance are made on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the above criteria and in the context of the wide spectrum of Canada’s human history.
An exceptional achievement or outstanding contribution clearly stands above other achievements or contributions in terms of importance and/or excellence of quality. A representative example may warrant a designation of national historic significance because it eminently typifies a nationally important aspect of Canadian history.
An explicit and meaningful association is direct and understandable, and is relevant to the reasons associated with the national significance of the associated person or event.
Uniqueness or rarity are not, in themselves, evidence of national historic significance, but may be considered in connection with the above criteria for national historic significance.
Firsts, per se, are not considered for national historic significance.
In general, only one commemoration will be made for each place, person, or event of national historic significance.
PEOPLE
Persons deceased for at least 25 years may be considered for designation of national historic significance, with the exception of Prime Ministers, who are eligible for commemoration immediately upon death.
EVENTS
Events that occurred at least 40 years ago may be considered for designation of national historic significance. Historic events that continue into the more recent past will be evaluated on the basis of what occurred at least 40 years ago.
PLACES
Buildings, ensembles of buildings, and sites completed by 1975 may be considered for designation of national historic significance.
A place must be in a condition that respects the integrity of its design, materials, workmanship, function and/or setting to be considered for designation of national historic significance, insofar as any of these elements are essential to understand its significance.
The boundaries of a place must be clearly defined for it to be considered for designation as a national historic site.
Large-scale movable heritage properties that would not normally be considered suitable for museum display may be considered for designation of national historic significance.
When the Board has considered a submission, it makes a recommendation for commemoration to the Minister. The usual form of commemoration is the erection of a bronze plaque.
Parks Canada owns and operates some 150 national historic sites. The majority of Canada’s national historic sites are not owned by the federal government but by other levels of government, organizations and individuals. These sites, known as the Family of National Historic Sites are provided with support from Parks Canada. This includes:
Basic Support
• Consultation and expert research (submission report to HSMBC) prepared prior to designation
• A plaque and consultation on its text
• Listing in the Directory of Designations of National Historic Significance and access to related information.
• Listing in the Canadian Register of Historic Places and access to related information.
• Information on Parks Canada’s best practices such as Standards and Guidelines; Guiding Principles and Operating Policies; Guide to the Preparation of Commemorative Integrity Statements; Guide to Management Planning; Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada; Information on the Requirements of the National Historic Sites of Canada Cost-Sharing Program
• Eligibility for financial incentives as available
Enhanced Support
• Parks Canada may provide owners with additional access to professional and technical support when resources are available.
See also:
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Provincially Designated Historic Sites
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Municipally Designated Historic Sites
Memorable Manitobans: Manitoba Representatives on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
We thank Sandra Hollender (Parks Canada Agency) and Rick Wishart for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 25 November 2025
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.
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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.
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