An Act to Incorporate the City of Winnipeg was passed by the Manitoba Legislature on November
8, 1873.
Winnipeg
was officially a city, though not without event.
After considerable debate, the original bill for incorporation was thrown out. At
issue was civic taxation and the financial burden this would impose on major property holders. Dissatisfied with this outcome,
supporters of the bill waylaid
Dr. Bird,
Speaker of the House, and poured a pail of hot
tar
over his head and shoulders.
Despite its raucous beginnings, the Act set out essential powers for Council and would guide the
new city through its early years.
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