Vignettes
/Greater Winnipeg / Adelaide-Forks
Hotel Fort Garry
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The Grand Trunk Pacific, joined its east and west lines
in Winnipeg in 1911 at Union Station and shortly after
announced plans for a large hotel nearby. The new hotel
was to be named "The Selkirk" but became the
Fort Garry after the Upper Fort Garry fort, which had been
located east of the hotel.
Magnificent railway hotels were being built across Canada
prior to 1930. The chateau style created was internationally
acknowledged as distinctly Canadian by the 1950's. Adapted
from the chateau style of the Loire region of Northern
France with steep rooflines, expansive wall surfaces, turrets,
heavily decorated windows and lavish ornamentation. The
style was picturesque and considered appropriate for Canada’s
harsh climate.
