St. James Civic Centre celebrates 50 years

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/01/2016 (3850 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In 1963, every home in St. James received details of an ambitious plan to redevelop the land of the Assiniboine Golf Course.

The plan to surround the Deer Lodge Curling Club with parks, baseball diamonds, a bowling green, a playground,  and football fields fell through. From the ashes of that failed project arose a staple of the community that celebrates its 50th anniversary in January 2016.

In August 1965, construction was started on the corner of Ness Avenue and Woodlawn Street to construct a building that would become the centre of some of the most cherished memories of St. James. Designed by architect and St. James resident Dwight Johnston, the facility was built to contain an auditorium, swimming pool and a 1,500-seat arena. Five months later, with the auditorium and swimming pool still under construction, many in the community ignored a Hockey Night In Canada matchup between Chicago and Toronto to witness the Deer Lodge Bantams face the St. James All Stars. Star forward Jimmy Johnston scored the first ever goal in the St. James Civic Centre. 

The arena was once occupied by Andy Van Hellemond, who while playing for the St. James Canadians, was named an MJHL First Team All-Star in 1967-68, a few years before he became a referee in the NHL. Current NHL scout and Stanley Cup winner Tom Thompson, coached in the arena. In 2002, current New Jersey Devil Travis Zajac, was awarded second team all-star recognition while playing for the St. James Canadians. Those Canadians; who ceased operations in 2004, won three MJHL Championships. The St. James Canucks of the MMJHL won the 1997-1998 championship.

The Civic Centre is primarily known for its minor hockey history . The Lions and Western Canada Bantam Tournaments have been hosted by the Civic Centre. In 2012, the infamous stick-throwing tantrum by Marlin Murray of the Dauphin Kings went worldwide on the internet.

The facility has been used as a practice facility by professionals including in the summer of 1974 the first practice of the Hot Line Bobby Hull, Anders Hedberg, and Kent Nilsson. In 1968, two Canadian Championships were won on Civic Centre Ice. The Victoriaville Tigres won hockey’s Allan Cup. Alberta won the Canadian Ladies Curling Championship.

Many other historic community events occurred in the auditorium. In 1971, the community passionately debated the Unicity proposal. The venue  has also hosted Folklorama pavilions.
The property may need some upgrades. but the stories within those walls is the heartbeat of a historic community. That history will be commemorated on Jan. 22, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. when the St. James Canucks host the Fort Garry-Fort Rouge Twins.

Fred Morris is a community correspondent for St. James.