2024 was a year of significant progress for Selkirk. The city focused on smart and sustainable residential and economic growth, rebuilding roads and creating pathways that allow people to navigate the city in alternate ways. The team continued to plant trees and wildflowers, all the while conserving water, ensured the city’s planning autonomy and saw the community come together with enthusiasm and support as planning steps were taken towards bringing a beloved theatre back to life – you will find all that and so much more as we take a look back at the year that was.
Garry Theatre and further downtown development
The city has made significant investments in its downtown in recent years, with the reconstruction of Manitoba Avenue East first, then seven blocks of Eveline Street and last year Main Street. All these roads lead to the Garry Theatre, and they are part of the city’s commitment to downtown renewal.
All these investments are huge pieces in bringing to life a once quiet and dark downtown that now is experiencing new life, light, and energy.
The City of Selkirk purchased the Garry Theatre in 2021, and Selkirkians have been buzzing about it ever since.
Behind the scenes, the city has been busy engaging the community and planning a future that makes sure the theatre reopens its doors and keeps them open for good.
“The Garry Theatre is part of Selkirk’s history and the fabric of our community. It has been an important part of our cultural infrastructure,” said Duane Nicol, the city’s Chief Administrative Officer.
“It was important for the city to purchase and preserve the Garry Theatre, not only because it holds a special place in the hearts of multiple generations of Selkirk residents, but also to ensure its reopening is handled responsibly in a way that ensures its future.”
Last year, the city announced the theatre – which will undergo significant renovations – will open as a movie theatre again but will be available for other uses as well. Brady Clark, the city’s Director of Culture, Recreation, and Green Transportation, says the city’s plan for the Garry highlights the potential for additional opportunities for use of the theatre, including private rentals for events like weddings, conferences, birthdays and community gatherings.
“While the theatre will primarily show movies, the Garry is about more than just films. It’s going to be a hub for cultural and social activities — a place to bring the community together,” Clark said.
The reopening of the Garry contributes to Selkirk’s revitalization of its downtown, making it a place people want to go to, but also a place they’ll call home.
The Manitoba Métis Federation’s (MMF) 55+ mixed-use development, which features 49 residential units along with commercial and office space, saw its first tenants move in last year and the building is now nearing completion.
The MMF’s $14.8 million investment is a mix of housing and commercial development in line with the city’s vision for the area that’s laid out in Selkirk’s Downtown Renewal Strategy.
“The MMF 55-plus development is exactly the type of investment the city wants to attract,” Nicol said.
“We want people living in our downtown within walking distance of local businesses and services, we want them to have convenient access to commercial and other services without having to use a car, and we want them to feel safe. An active and vibrant street is a safer street. The city’s investments and strategies are achieving these goals.”
The downtown was also the site of a handful of successful summertime events and the annual Selkirk Port Market. The Summer Concert Series drew crowds to the Waterfront to enjoy free, live entertainment.
“People are enjoying the downtown, it’s become a place where they want to be, they want to spend time downtown, whether it’s sitting on one of the new benches savouring an N-Joy coffee, satiating a craving at the MacGarvie Company, having lunch with a friend at Roxy’s or the Mighty Kiwi or attending one of the city’s events, people have really embraced downtown in Selkirk,” Nicol said.
Infrastructure renewal and improvements
The city invested $4.9 million into transforming Main Street north of Manitoba Avenue to Lake Avenue in 2024, making it vibrant, safe, accessible and pedestrian friendly.
While the province was resurfacing the driving lanes, the city took the opportunity to improve turning lanes, boulevards, medians and sidewalks and put modern, accessible crosswalks at Morris and Queen. Active Transportation (AT) pathways were installed on both sides of Main to provide safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians. The pathways will connect with the city’s existing, and ever increasing, AT network.
Work began to allow for more naturalization of boulevards with shrubs, wildflowers and prairie grasses to be planted at several intersections, and the work will continue into 2025. In accordance with its Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, the city installed rain gardens at some of the intersections that will use stormwater runoff to water plants. Silva Cells are also being used with the planting of new street trees to hold stormwater to water the trees, optimize root growth and ensure long-term tree health.
A critical piece of infrastructure was put in the ground this year. The force main that runs along Main Street carries 90% of the city’s sewage to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. While Main Street was being reconstructed, the city installed a large section of new secondary pipe. In future phases, this new section will connect to the Dufferin Lift Station, allowing for a seamless transition between the old and new pipes. This will enable the city to upgrade the existing pipe, improving its durability and helping prevent failures and sewage leaks, as seen in other communities.
The 200 block of Toronto saw a full reconstruction last year, with a new street surface, sidewalk installation, watermain, and the separation of the sewer and storm sewer system. The city remains committed to separating combined sewers to eliminate the potential for sewer backup in homes and enhance the city’s stormwater management system.
Planning Division remains efficient while providing superior service
It was another busy year for the Selkirk Planning Division, which marked two years in operation in the summer of 2024. Notable achievements include the progress of 177 dwelling units in the city, with 89 units successfully completed over the course of the year.
The MMF’s 55+ mixed-use development on Eveline Street is nearing completion and a 65-unit multi-family apartment on Vaughan is also nearing completion.
A 68-unit multi-family apartment on Annie is under construction and 26 new single-family homes and duplexes in the Skylark Development on King Bay and McLean Avenue are started or have been completed.
2025 will see another busy year. The city has invited development proposals for a parcel of land on Manitoba Avenue, west of Purvis and beside the MPI building and the first parcel of land for development in the West End is set to go in early 2025.
Work is progressing on North America’s first patterned solar glass manufacturing plant, which will be built by Canadian Premium Sand in Selkirk and bring with it hundreds of jobs to the city.
Selkirk also began work last year on its first Development Plan since launching its own Planning Division. Public engagement efforts were very successful with strong community participation in surveys and two open houses. Work on the plan will continue in 2025.
Library expansion
The Gaynor Family Regional Library got the green light to expand in 2024 and work is set to begin this year. The City of Selkirk’s commitment to ensuring space in the building formerly used by the Red River Planning District (RRPD) would be available to the library if it ever came available paid off in 2024.
The three ownership municipalities – Selkirk, St. Andrews and St. Clements – have entered into agreements that facilitated the expansion following the departure of RRPD.
Selkirk council has worked to ensure that if the space ever became available, it would be used by the library to provide improved services for citizens. The city paid for costs upfront to ensure the space would remain with the library, and the agreement will have the two other partners now reimbursing their share.
“This City of Selkirk council, in fact three City of Selkirk councils, have always been working hard to protect the interests of citizens and secure this asset, making sure that it was available for the library,” Nicol said.
“It was always part of the original vision and now, thanks to a steady commitment to that vision, it’s become a reality and citizens of the three ownership municipalities will be the beneficiaries.”
Wastewater Treatment Plant continues to attract attention & earns city Red River Basin Commission (RRBC) Award
On March 25 last year, Tracy Schmidt, Manitoba’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, along with a delegation of MLAs, toured the wastewater treatment plant with Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson and members of city council. The group came to see the plant, which since its opening in 2021, has been recognized for its barely visible environmental footprint, fossil-fuel free operation, innovative re-use of water, smart design that allows for cost-effective growth, and its role as a centre of excellence.
“Any chance we get to show the Wastewater Treatment Plant to others, we’re taking it, and we were thrilled to welcome Minister Schmidt and the MLAs. The plant was a long time coming and our team worked with builders to make sure it was the best, for our needs and the needs of the region and for the environment,” Johannson said.
“When we show people what the treated effluent looks like after it goes through the process, people are blown away. They really are, it’s a crystal-clear glass of water and it is jaw-dropping.”
That same day, the city was presented with the RRBC North Chapter Award in recognition of Selkirk’s contribution and commitment to water protection and management.
The award was presented by North Chapter Chair Charles Posthumus.
“The reason Selkirk won is because of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant. Not only for the water coming out of the plant but the reusing of the water that can be used in industry. Your award is for your beautiful plant. What’s better than water going back into the river that’s clean? Congratulations on being this year’s recipient.”
The plant is also being used as a teaching site and last year 10 students earned their Wastewater Treatment 3 operator certification through Red River College Polytech’s Selkirk campus, with training at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Members of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) toured Selkirk’s Wastewater Treatment Plant as well and had high praise for the facility and the city in general.
“We often look to Selkirk as an exemplary example of a city, which is still a smaller community, that’s taking initiative on climate adaptation and looking for unique solutions to address some of their municipal infrastructure needs,” said Ashley Rawluk, IISD Policy Advisor.
The IISD’s five-year project, Natural Infrastructure for Water Solutions (NIWS) brought them to town and the delegation included guests from Duke University in North Carolina, the Pacific Institute in California and Ross Strategic in Washington State.
Dimple Roy, the IISD’s Director of Water Management, was impressed with the plant and the way that Selkirk manages its natural infrastructure.
“Selkirk clearly has a broad and innovative strategy that has incorporated natural infrastructure in a variety of ways. We’re proud to have a municipality like Selkirk to showcase real applications and successes in natural infrastructure to our regional and international partners,” said Roy.
“The work done on Eveline Street and seeing the streetscape with the soil cells in practice was really encouraging to see. Our tour was impressed with the new Wastewater Treatment Plant and how the plant will ensure the long-term sustainability of water quality and nutrient level reductions.”
Historic water services agreement signed
The Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Treatment Plant made news in 2024 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see Selkirk providing water and wastewater services outside city limits.
In May, a tripartite agreement was signed with Selkirk, the Manitoba Métis Federation and the RM of St. Andrews.
“It’s a proud day in Selkirk with the signing of what really is an historic agreement between the city, the Red River Manitoba Métis Federation and the RM of St. Andrews,” said Johannson.
“With this Memorandum of Understanding signed, the City of Selkirk will provide water and sewer services directly to the MMF with the pipes running through our neighbours, the RM of St. Andrews. All of us are committed to working together in this partnership which will further economic development in the region.”
The agreement marks the first time Selkirk has provided water services outside of city limits and expands the provision of wastewater services in St. Andrews, establishing the services as regional utilities.
The signing is a first and will deepen the relationship between the municipalities and the National Government of the Red River Métis.
“The agreement will enhance collaboration and cooperation in the hopes of providing lasting benefits through business opportunities, job creation, tax revenues, and service fees, as well as infrastructure and other improvements,” Nicol said.
“This agreement sets out the vision for a partnership to, among other things, extend the City of Selkirk water and wastewater services to MMF-owned lands in the RM of St. Andrews north of the city. Provision of these services will facilitate the development and delivery of MMF government programs and services to its citizens in the region.”
Innovative uses of Selkirk water
The city’s award-winning water made its debut last year on tap at the Selkirk Legion and the Torque Brewery-created Tower Tap Lager was a hit.
“Selkirk people came out and supported Selkirk, once again,” said an enthusiastic Johannson at the launch event.
“The Legion was packed and we sold out, four kegs, 240 pints in two hours. I’m blown away. The city is being innovative, we’re always looking for ways to tap into our stellar resources. Our water is award-winning, and now we know that it can create great beer. Cheers to a great Saturday night and many more to come!”
The beer is a true Selkirk original and uses Selkirk drinking water to craft a light, refreshing lager. Stay tuned for more news on Tower Tap in 2025.
The city continued to work towards a more circular economy and used treated wastewater (Rewater) from the Wastewater Treatment Plant on a weekly basis to water the city’s 8,000-plus trees and plants.
Watering of city trees and plants requires 5,000 to 9,000 gallons of water every week. By using Rewater instead of treated drinking water, the city is saving that much more water that can be used for consumption.
Three public drinking water stations – located at the Waterfront, Kin Centre and Selkirk Park – were installed in 2024 and allow 24-hour access to clean and safe drinking water during the warmer months of the year.
Installation of the stations was driven by the city’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Downtown Selkirk Renewal Strategy.
The water stations provide a convenient way for citizens to stay hydrated during hot weather.
“Staying hydrated is an important step in preventing heat stress. This is particularly true for people who may be more susceptible to heat stress, like young children, people 65 years and older, those with pre-existing heart and lung illnesses and those who may not have access to air conditioning,” said Mihali Schindle, the city’s Manager of Climate Action and Environmental Services.
The stations feature a built-in water bowl for four-legged citizens who may need to quench their thirst on a hot day and provide an accessible place for vulnerable populations to get clean, fresh water during the hot summer months to help prevent heat exhaustion.
Selkirk Staff – Leaders and Award Winners
The City of Selkirk’s staff was recognized in several ways in 2024 for their leadership and skills.
Travis Vandenbrand, Manager of Parks and Rec, and Schindle, travelled to Edmonton in May to speak about the city’s natural asset management journey at the Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM). Meanwhile, Courtney Klassen, the city’s Asset Management/G.I.S Technician, was elected to CNAM’s board of directors in 2024, further showcasing Selkirk’s leadership in sustainable infrastructure management.
CNAM is the association of public infrastructure asset management in Canada.
Selkirk is known in the CNAM world as a past winner of the prestigious Tereo Award – given annually to a city that demonstrates leadership in asset management. Selkirk was presented the Tereo in 2019, less than five years after it released its Capital Asset Management Strategy 2016-2020.
“I’m proud of our team for the work they do every day. They have pride in their work and their efforts have made Selkirk a leader in asset management and climate change adaptation,” Nicol said.
“Being asked to present at a national conference like CNAM is a significant nod to the city’s success in this area. Presenting and just being at the conference where you can learn and share ideas with other leaders from across the country is huge.”
Selkirk Pool Supervisor Lolita Duschinger was named Lifeguard of the Year in 2024 by the Lifesaving Society of Manitoba and presented her award at a July ceremony at Government House. The 19-year-old former competitive swimmer was honoured and shocked.
“We nominated Lolita for the Lifeguard of the Year Award because she embodies everything we hope for in someone entrusted with the safety of others at our facility,” said Courtney Bangert-Murray, City of Selkirk Program Coordinator. Manager of Cultural and Recreational Programs, Kyla Ray, was the other nominator.
Nicol himself was invited to attend several conferences, including the Canadian Wastewater Association conference in Winnipeg, where he participated in a panel discussion. He also spoke at the Natural Infrastructure for Water Solutions (NIWS) symposium in Calgary, which in part, led to the delegation visiting Selkirk to tour the Wastewater Treatment Plant and various natural infrastructure sites around the city. He also wrapped up his term as President of the Manitoba Municipal Administrators (MMA) in 2024.
In other water news, Mayor Larry Johannson was appointed to the International Red River Watershed Board for a three-year term.
Urban Canopy Expansion and Naturalization
Back on the job, Schindle and Justin Torcia, the city’s Urban Forestry & Naturalization Coordinator, oversaw the planting of more than 260 trees last summer, adding to Selkirk’s diverse urban canopy. The trees were interspersed amongst existing trees and replaced ones that have come to or are nearing the end of their natural lives and all of this work did not go unnoticed.
The planting garnered significant public interest as people noticed the trees that were new to Main Street and on boulevards throughout the city. Approximately 18 different species were planted, in accordance with Selkirk’s Street Tree Policy, to create diversity and ensure disease can’t wipe out an entire area.
The benefits of trees in a community are many and they range from protecting infrastructure from heat and UV rays to helping absorb storm water runoff. Other benefits include sequestering carbon and pollutants to improve air quality, providing habitat for birds and small mammals like squirrels, food for pollinators, calming driving speeds and making the city’s streets look beautiful.
Selkirk also planted 25 fruit trees in Water Tower Park, mostly apple and some plum. The trees will increase the park’s canopy and in a couple years when they bear fruit, the public will be encouraged to pick the fruit to eat.
The city expects to plant 400 trees in 2025.
GHG Reporting
Selkirk reported its 2023 corporate and community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2024, a mandate of the city’s Greenhouse Gas Accountability Bylaw.
Selkirk tracks emissions using global standards, sets new reduction targets aligned with Canada’s national goals and the 1.5°C climate target, and establishes a transparent financial framework to meet these goals.
Since 2016, the city has decreased its corporate emissions by seven per cent, despite acquiring new buildings and expanding its fleet to provide municipal services.
The results were shared with the community, City Council, as well as the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Selkirk is amongst the smallest communities in the world that are reporting via the CDP, and one of only two communities in Manitoba.
Selkirk museum expands and gains popularity
With more than 80 exhibits and numerous blog posts on the five-year-old Selkirk Museum site, which is virtual at this time, people took many a walk down memory lane online and shared stories about the Selkirk they grew up in.
Ellie Longbottom, the city’s Culture Coordinator, says staff post to social media regularly to drive people to the museum site and there was a tremendous amount of interest in 2024.
“We post once or twice a week and it’s fun for people to play along with those,” Longbottom says.
“The comments we’re getting are all positive, people are recognizing family members, like grandparents, and if there’s old buildings, they’ll comment that someone in their family used to work there. If we post group photos and we don’t know all the people in the photo, people comment and tell us, ‘That’s my aunt, or my uncle’. They’re really engaged.”
A big part of the reason the Selkirk Museum is attracting so many eyes to it, is that the city was able to hire a dedicated staff person, thanks to money raised and grants paid out from the Selkirk Heritage Endowment Fund (SHEF), held and managed by the Selkirk and District Community Foundation.
SHEF was established in 2012 by the City of Selkirk as a perpetual endowment fund to support the ongoing operational costs of a new municipal heritage museum. Until a physical museum is built, the SHEF will continue to support the Museum, which is virtual at this time.
The fund provides annual grants to the Marine Museum of Manitoba as well.
City Invests $1 Million in New Fire Truck and Equipment
Selkirk’s Strategic Plan, Priority 1, calls for a ‘vibrant, safe, and healthy community’. In 2024 the city purchased a new fire pumper truck – Engine 16 – for the Selkirk Fire Department and it’s loaded with technology that makes safety a priority and saves firefighters’ crucial time in emergency situations.
The truck features SAM (Scene Apparatus Manager) technology, an integrated total waterflow control system that manages the vehicle’s pump, tank, intakes and discharges.
Its arrival keeps the Department’s fleet to five, including Engine 15 (Ladder Truck), the city’s last purchase prior to this truck, and replaces Engine 11, which has been listed for sale.
Passing of Justice Murray Sinclair
Justice Murray Sinclair, born just north of Selkirk, passed in November of 2024. The first Indigenous judge in Manitoba, and a prominent figure in the Manitoba Justice system for over 25 years, he became a household name as Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. His leadership will serve as a constant reminder to not only those in our community, but throughout Canada, that great things can be accomplished.
Selkirk played integral role in changes to plan 20-50
The City of Selkirk was among those who applauded loudly when the Kinew Government introduced Bill 42 (now Bill 4), the Planning Amendment Act, in November. The legislation would give municipalities the right to opt in or out of the Capital Planning Region (CPR), also known as the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region.
Selkirk and other municipalities were opposed to its unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, diluting of local decision-making and imposing one-size-fits-all policies that may not align with individual community needs. Bill 4 responds to these concerns by empowering municipalities to decide their own paths.
“This bill is a clear indication that the province is listening to the concerns of municipalities and is committed to preserving the role of local governments in shaping their communities. By enabling us to opt out of the Capital Planning Region, the government has shown a great deal of respect for the unique needs of each community, including Selkirk, which has long advocated for the ability to make decisions that reflect the interests and priorities of our residents,” said Johannson.
In December, a motion to not proceed with the Winnipeg Plan 20-50 was passed without opposition and municipalities that choose to remain in the region will have until 2027 to create a replacement plan.
Engaging the community
The city partnered with QuestionPro in 2024 to relaunch CitizenVoice, the city’s online survey tool where residents provide input into city planning and the implementation of city services, programs and initiatives. Engaging the community in shaping Selkirk’s future is a priority in the city’s Community Strategic Plan and citizens took part in two surveys in 2024 – one on Selkirk Transit and another on the updated Development Plan.
The city’s CitizenSupport Representatives (CSRs) have become a trusted and efficient resource for the citizens of Selkirk. In 2024, the one-stop shop saw a 14% increase in interactions, totalling 15,702, continuing a trend of steady growth year over year.
“Our CitizenSupport Representatives have earned the trust of the community. People know they can rely on them to provide timely and accurate responses, and that’s exactly what they are doing,” said Vanessa Figus, Manager of Citizen Engagement.
The city invested in its most famous catfish by having it restored and revitalized. Main Street icon Chuck the Channel Cat saw structural repairs and received a new coat of paint. The city also partnered with Manitoba Public Insurance to enhance road safety by installing two digital speed signs, which can be rotated throughout key speeding hotspots throughout Selkirk to help calm traffic speeds and protect pedestrians. Finally, the city introduced a new bench sponsorship program in 2024, giving citizens the chance to sponsor one of approximately 100 benches citywide. This program offers a meaningful way to honour loved ones or influential community members, with revenues supporting city programming, parks, heritage, and cultural initiatives. Selkirk Age Friendly was the first to use this program, dedicating a bench in Queen’s Park to the late Dr. Ian Reid.
