Sign of change on the horizon

Charleswood

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/10/2024 (349 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

My family and I have been in Charleswood for many years, and we have always loved the Charleswood sign on Roblin Boulevard close to Assiniboine Park stating “Welcome to Charleswood the Suburb Beautiful.”

The history of Charleswood and the sign are unique. According to the Charleswood Historical Society, the origin of the name Charleswood is uncertain, but many say it is named after Charles Kelly (son of Patrick Kelly) who served on the first municipal council. Others say it is named for the parish of St. Charles.

Patrick Kelly (1847-1940), originally from Perth, Ont., is regarded as the founder of Charleswood. In 1907, he built a general store and later helped establish a post office and school. The first municipal council meetings were held in his general store, and this is where Charleswood became a separate municipality. Before 1920, Charleswood consisted mostly of dairy, poultry and vegetable farms, as well as with mink ranchers.

It’s hard to imagine today but in 1936, plots of land were advertised for sale at prices as low as $20 an acre and you could pay low taxes of just $35 for a $3,000 home. Since 1930, Charleswood has been known as “the Suburb Beautiful” and in 1972, it joined the city of Winnipeg as part of the Unicity amalgamation of Winnipeg and its suburbs. In 1995, the Charleswood Bridge linked Charleswood to St. James.

Winnipeg city councillor Evan Duncan (Charleswood, Tuxedo, Westwood) told me there have been many requests to update the sign that is now showing its age. There have been three incarnations of the sign over the decades, but it has always maintained its shape. One of the first versionss stated that “Charleswood pays tribute to our boys & girls in active service.” In the 1950s the sign said, “Welcome to Charleswood” with add on statements advertising “city water”, “light”, “power” and “low taxes.” The author of the slogan “the Suburb Beautiful” is unknown and the sign itself is not owned by anyone in particular. Coun. Duncan advised me that that after public consultation on changing the sign, some people said they like the current slogan and some do not but there is consensus on keeping its original shape. Additionally, citizens want the sign to reflect the character of the area with wildlife and nature themes.

The movement to update the sign began in the spring of 2023 and involved representatives from the Charleswood Historical Society, Assiniboine Park and the City of Winnipeg. The new sign will be unveiled this fall to much anticipation. When speaking with Coun, Duncan, I also hinted that it would be nice to also have a sign (though not a duplicate of the original) at the Perimeter Highway coming into Charleswood and he said this is something that is being considered.

I would like to thank Coun, Duncan for his efforts on the Charleswood sign and for taking the time to speak with me. Though the slogan may change, Charleswood is indeed a beautiful suburb,