Chuck the Channel Cat, Selkirk’s beloved tribute to both the city’s vibrant fishing community and local legend Chuck Norquay, is about to have some repairs and a splash of new colour!
The restoration project, led by Jen Mosienko Design, should take about one week to complete. Mosienko and her team will start by grinding off the old paint and fixing any damage — a process that’s already begun. Once that’s complete, Chuck will receive a vibrant new coat of paint.
Mosienko has several years of experience restoring numerous landmarks across the province, including the giant mosquito statue in Komarno.
“We’re thrilled to be giving Chuck some new life,” said Ellie Longbottom, Selkirk’s Culture Coordinator.
“He’s an icon in the city, something people come to see from near and far. Chuck is a testament to our strong connection with the Red River and the channel catfish that call the Red home.”
Coun. Lorie Fiddler, who was a friend of Chuck Norquay, is glad to see the Selkirk landmark being worked on.
“He put Selkirk on the map for great fishing. More importantly, he was so proud of Selkirk.”
Coun. Lorie Fiddler
“I’m so happy the channel cat is being spruced up. I always think of Chuck Norquay fondly,” said Coun. Fiddler.
“He put Selkirk on the map for great fishing. More importantly, he was so proud of Selkirk. Chuck was a Selkirk guy, a family man, and a great friend to so many. This statue in his memory is a great reminder of that.”
Chuck’s revitalization aligns with Selkirk’s strategic vision
This project ties directly into Selkirk’s Community Strategic Plan, particularly the city’s commitment to maintaining vibrant, attractive public spaces that enhance community pride and attract visitors.
“Chuck has been a favourite photo-op for residents and tourists alike for years. A revitalized Chuck is representative of the revitalization we’re seeing everywhere in Selkirk,” said Longbottom.
“This investment not only helps bolster our brand and history, but also strengthens the bond between our residents and the stories that make Selkirk special.”
Celebrating Chuck Norquay’s legacy
Named after Chuck Norquay, a local fisherman whose passion for sportfishing led him to secure the title of “Catfish Capital of North America” for Selkirk, the statue celebrates his significant contributions to the city’s fishing fame and fishing culture.
In the mid-1980s, Norquay’s fishing prowess garnered the attention of American sportsman Babe Winkelman, whose show Good Fishing was internationally syndicated at the time. After receiving an invitation to appear on the show, Norquay brought Winkelman and his film crew to the Red River across from Gilbart Funeral Home. They reeled in over 200 pounds of catfish that day.
From there, Selkirk’s reputation as a premier fishing hub exploded. Hundreds of Americans began calling to see if Chuck would be their fishing guide. Fishermen came from all over North America to cast their lines into Selkirk’s waters, in hopes of landing a colossal catfish.
Plans for a lasting tribute
About a year after Norquay’s appearance on Good Fishing, plans for a statue celebrating Selkirk as the continent’s catfish capital began to take shape. Initially planned for Selkirk Park, the statue’s location was changed to its current spot on Main Street following a 900-signature petition advocating for a site more visible to tourists as they come into the city.
On May 23, 1986, the Chuck the Channel Cat statue was unveiled.
Longbottom noted how today, nearly 40 years after that initial unveiling, Chuck remains a central symbol of Selkirk’s fishing legacy and brand.
“By giving our favourite fish some TLC and a full restoration job, we’re keeping our local heritage alive and photo-worthy to capture your Selkirk experience.”
To read Chuck’s full story, visit the Selkirk Museum’s page on Chuck Norquay.
In the News
CATFISH CAPITAL: Selkirk icon being given ‘new life’ (Winnipeg Sun)
New look for landmark Selkirk statue (Winnipeg Free Press)
Selkirk’s catfish statue getting a facelift (CTV News Winnipeg)
