Community Correspondent

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See the Police Museum while it’s still in Westwood

By: Sharon Pfeifer

Posted: 03/6/2013 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Winnipeg Police Museum curator/historian Jack Templeman says the century old jail cell is a popular attraction. (PHOTO BY SHARON PFEIFER)

Did you know that the Winnipeg Police Museum, the archive of city law enforcement, is right here in Westwood?

Perhaps like me, you did know but you haven’t gone yet. You should know, then, that the Museum’s days in Westwood are numbered — its 25 year run in our neighbourhood will end when the new Winnipeg Police Service headquarters (in the old main post office at Smith Street and Graham Avenue) is completed in 2014.

Tucked downstairs inside the Winnipeg Police Training Academy at 130 Allard Ave., the Winnipeg Police Museum and Historical Society is a treasure trove dating back to the 1880s, with newspaper articles, pictures, uniforms, protective gear, vehicles and weaponry.

It’s a portal back in time — a visual journey through Winnipeg’s storied past from a truly unique perspective. In addition to being a tangible link to life ‘back in the day’, the museum is a resource for history buffs, movie makers and theatre companies seeking period pieces.

Retired staff sgt. Jack Templeman is curator and historian at the museum and says he is looking forward to the new location,where they will have three times the space they have now. They will be able to exhibit artifacts now hiding in boxes and will have room to display their newest relic — a bomb truck currently under restoration. They’ll also be able to expand their memorial to members of the force lost in the line of duty.

The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except holidays) and admission is free (donations are welcome). You can park in the lot adjacent to the building or on a side street; be sure to enter through the main doors of the Academy and head downstairs. For wheelchair access, ask at the office to use the doors off the parking lot. Hour-long guided tours can be arranged or you can just drop in for a self-guided tour.

For information, go to winnipeg.ca/police/museum. Why not visit while it’s still in our own back yard?

☐ ☐ ☐

Across the field from the museum,the KW Community Centre is looking for a few good men and women. Volunteers are needed to fill a number of important positions, including sports convenors. Contact club president Terry Wolowiec at president@kirkfieldwestwoodcc.ca or by calling 204 831-7286.

Spring sports registration at KW takes place Wednesday, March 6 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday March 9 from 10 a.m to 1 p.m.

Sharon Pfeifer is a community correspondent for Westwood. You can contact her at sdrinteractive@shaw.ca.

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