Winnipeg 150 has officially come to an end.
On January 19, 2024, we marked 150 years as a city—the anniversary of the first City Council meeting. This kicked off a full year of celebrating our city and the people who live here. The theme of the year, Our shared stories. Our shared future., paved the way as we reflected on our past and looked ahead to our future.
Reflecting on our past
Winnipeg 150 was not just a celebration. It was also an opportunity to honour the deep history of this land and to work toward a future built on understanding, respect, and reconciliation.
The graphic we used throughout the year represents our city as we know it while acknowledging the importance of our Indigenous roots. It was designed by local artist Jordan Stranger of Totem Doodem.
We also created a video series, From Time Immemorial to Tomorrow: Indigenous Perspectives on Winnipeg 150. It features the stories of local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The series has three parts, looking at the past, present, and future.
Bringing Winnipeggers together
To bring celebrations to as many Winnipeggers as possible, we joined over 60 community events throughout the year. We had a community pop-up booth that travelled to each event and included giveaways, crafts, and photo opportunities.
To help bring the theme of Our shared stories. Our shared future. to life, we introduced a celebration grant. Twelve organizations received funding to help highlight our history and future through music, performances, festivals, and exhibits.
In partnership with the Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Winnipeg Goldeyes, Winnipeg Jets, Winnipeg Sea Bears, and Valour FC, we hosted a Winnipeg 150 Game Day for each team. These featured giveaways, opening pitches and puck drops, and meeting many Winnipeggers at our pop-up booth.
We also celebrated our eleven Sister Cities with an afternoon at The Forks. Each city was represented: Setagaya, Japan; Reykjavík, Iceland; Minneapolis, USA; Lviv, Ukraine; Manila, Philippines; Taichung, Taiwan; Kuopio, Finland; Be’er-Sheva, Israel; Chengdu, China; Chinju, South Korea; and San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico.
City Councillors also hosted celebrations in their wards to help build community and create lasting memories.
Revisiting traditions
A half-century old hockey rivalry was rekindled with the City vs Province hockey game. The Mayor, City Councillors, and City staff went head-to-head with the Premier, MLAs, and Provincial staff. The City shut out the Province, 6-0. This recreated the game played 50 years ago for our 100th anniversary.
We also commemorated our fallen soldiers at a special candlelight ceremony at Brookside Cemetery. Over 10,000 candles were placed on the tombstones of veterans. Community members were invited to reflect and share stories throughout the evening. A candlelight ceremony is held each September to recognize and honour those who have served.
Celebrating Winnipeggers and our vibrant arts scene
Thousands of Winnipeggers give back to their community every year. We awarded a special Winnipeg 150 medal to recognize some of these incredible individuals. One-hundred-fifty medals were awarded at ceremonies throughout the city. Each recipient also had a tree planted in their name.
For the first time, we held a Mayor’s Ball, which raised funds for the four major local performing arts organizations in Winnipeg: Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Manitoba Opera, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. It was a night of dazzling performances that showcased the incredible talent and creativity of our performing arts scene.
Looking to our future
Today’s youth will shape the Winnipeg of tomorrow. We developed Winnipeg 150 in the classroom as a resource for students to explore our city’s history. It includes activities for all grades. Students who submit their work will have the opportunity to receive a limited-edition coin, just for youth.
To cap off the year, we closed the Winnipeg 150 time capsule. It includes letters from dignitaries and items documenting the year’s celebrations. There are also items that give a glimpse into Winnipeg at this moment in time. The exact items it contains will remain a secret until it is opened in 50 years.
Coming together
Winnipeg 150 was a year of coming together, celebrating, connecting, and building memories.
Thank you to all City staff who helped make Winnipeg 150 possible, and to every community group, organization, and media partner who brought the theme to life. And a special thank you to every Winnipegger who celebrated along with us.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of Winnipeg, you can still catch our travelling Archive Display at select libraries until the end of June. It provides a timeline of our history, from before Winnipeg was a City to the present day.
