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The first letter "S," highlights St. James bike trails and parks. You can often find individuals biking on the Yellow Ribbon Greenway and Sturgeon Creek Greenway trails including many other trails in the area; the City of Winnipeg cycle map. In terms of city parks, Bruce Park, Bourkevale Park, and St. James Memorial Sports Park are just a few options that the community boasts. The park which St. James is known for is Assiniboine Park. Founded in 1904, the amalgamated park emerged as the focal point of Winnipeg's innovative urban park system. Crafted by the vision of Frederick Todd, the Park echoed the city's ambitions as a prairie metropolis and a doorway to the Canadian West. Acting as a bridge between city residents and the natural world, the park's extensive green landscapes and gardens underscored an awareness of conservation's importance. Noteworthy elements, including a pavilion, duck pond, the impressive Leaf, and the artistic Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, further set apart this ever-evolving park, which continues to thrive today.
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The letter "T" symbolizes the St. James-Assiniboia Heritage Museum. The museum encompasses three distinct structures: the officially recognized 1856 Red River Frame House, the 1911 Municipal Hall, and an Interpretive Center from the 1890s. This center serves as an educational hub, imparting the rich history of the St. James community through guided tours and engaging events. The emblem's significance is underscored by the presence of the ox cart, which represents the historic Red River ox cart Trail, now recognized as Portage Avenue. In the 19th century, the Ox Cart played a pivotal role as a fundamental mode of transportation across Western Canada, aiding explorers, hunters, traders, and settlers in their journeys and catalyzing the area's urban development. -
The letter “J” highlights the rich historical significance of aviation in St. James. The coat of arms, consisting of 17 wings, features a canoe reminiscent of the 17 wing's location in Winnipeg, situated near the historical waterways. Additionally, there's an arrowhead designed in the shape of a maple leaf, acknowledging the Wing's diverse responsibilities in air defense. The inclusion of the Vintage Tiger Moth pays homage to The Royal Aviation Museum, which proudly displays a collection of over 90 historic aircraft, along with 70,000 artifacts, texts, and photographs. These Tiger Moth planes were constructed during World War II and were well-suited to endure Canada's harsh winters, enhancing their effectiveness in air defense during that era. Today, The Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc at the Winnipeg Richardson International airport helps coordinate flights for all Manitobans, connecting community members to the world.
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The letter "A" pays tribute to the Living Prairie Museum, a 13-hectare preserve and nature park showcasing a tall grass prairie. Within this sanctuary thrive over 150 distinct grass and wildflower species, alongside an array of prairie wildlife include the Monarch and the Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris Ligulistylis) grass. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the expansive tall grass prairie spanned over 1 million square kilometers across central North America. With only 1 percent of the original tall grass prairie remaining today, the Museum stands as one of the scarce remnants of this once-extensive ecosystem, aiming to raise awareness and foster conservation of natural spaces, particularly the tall grass prairie, through environmental education. Among their initiatives is the Monarch Festival, an annual event held in July, featuring live butterflies, environmental presentations, and guided hikes for exploring the region.
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The letter “M” revolves around healthcare in the St. James community, specifically the significance of Deer Lodge Centre. The building in the art references the Deer Lodge Hotel, a lavish inn built in 1907 after the original hotel burned to the ground in 1892. In 1916, a decision was made to repurpose the hotel to accommodate soldiers, transforming it into a convalescent home. The Deer Lodge Military Convalescent Hospital played a vital role in providing returning soldiers with healthcare and re-education opportunities. You will notice this location has a rich history of supporting veterans through the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation. Today, the Angel of Victory statue located at the front gives a tribute to those in the service of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company who fought and sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Canadians during both World Wars and the Korean War. Presently, the building is a Winnipeg Regional Health Authority ran personal care home and rehabilitation facility which aids aging veterans and residents of Winnipeg.
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The letter "E" reflects the plethora of amazing and diverse restaurant and lounge options in the vicinity. Dreamland Diner, Silver Heights Restaurant & Lounge, D-Jay's Restaurant, Olympia Diner, and Max’s Restaurant are just a few choices in the area. This assortment captures the vibrant essence of the area's dining scene. But a true St James token is its ice cream right near Assiniboine park. Sargent Sundae, a cherished family-operated establishment with over four decades of history, stands as a testament to community tradition. You will often see a line up wrapping around the building in the summer months and past community members stopping by for a classic St. James staple.
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The last letter "S" signifies Grants Old Mill. Cuthbert Grant, a Métis leader, ran a grain mill at this location on Sturgeon Creek from approximately 1829 to 1832. This marks the earliest water mill in Western Canada, and today, it stands as a functional replica of the original mill structure built in 1974. The primary objective is to inform the general populace about the historical operation of a grist mill in producing flour through water wheel power. Additionally, there's a focus on conserving Manitoba's heritage and the narrative of Cuthbert Grant's efforts for the Métis community during the fur trading period. Notable events include an annual August celebration honoring Cuthbert Grant's life and Pioneer Day, which serves to educate people about the fur trade and the water-driven mill.
