On Wednesday, demolition began on the historic Chapman School at 3707 Roblin Blvd. The significant site, which carries 111 years of school history, will be filled by a high-end condominium complex. Heritage Winnipeg was quoted in a recent Winnipeg Free Press article that pertains to the matter.

The history of this site stretches far beyond the history of our city. For centuries, the area now known as Charleswood was filled with well-known trails used for trade and travel by indigenous communities. This particular site on which Chapman School stands was also part of one of the original primary Métis Land Grants, or “scrips”, of the 1870s. Many Métis families were re-located to the area by the Dominion Government. This history has created a rich cultural landscape in Charleswood that deserves to be preserved and respected.

The Rural Municipality of Charleswood was formed in 1912, and the original Chapman school was built a year later in 1913. It received its name from George Chapman, a prominent community member and first Reeve of the Municipality. This structure was lost to fire in 1916 and replaced shortly after. The second structure only outlived its predecessor by a few decades, lost again to fire in 1943.

The school that now occupies this site was built in 1944. It was designed by Scottish architect Edgar Prain, who lived most of his life in East and North Kildonan. The building’s style reflects the era in which it was built, with a sense of restraint often applied to architecture during the uncertainty of the Second World War. A raised basement and numerous windows allowed for increased light and airflow in the building. An expansion was added to the school in 1974.

Charleswood remained an independent Municipality for 60 years, becoming part of the City of Winnipeg in 1972. Chapman school is one of the oldest public educational structures in Charleswood and one of few heritage buildings that remain in the neighbourhood.

Heritage Winnipeg has been working with the community for years in an effort to preserve this site and ensure it receives its due respect. We are disheartened to learn that this historic building and lot will be destroyed to make way for yet another high-end condominium complex.

Heritage Winnipeg has been working with the community for years in an effort to preserve this site and ensure it receives its due respect. We are disheartened to learn that this historic building and green space will be lost to make way for yet another high-end condominium complex.

Sources:
Flanagan, Thomas. “Metis Lands in Manitoba” University of Calgary Press, 1991.
“3707 Roblin Boulevard” City of Winnipeg Historical Resources Committee Report, 1998.

Read More:

Macintosh, Maggie. “Wrecking ball comes for 111-year-old Charleswood school” Winnipeg Free Press, 8 January 2025.

“Built & Natural Heritage at Risk: Chapman School Property” Heritage Winnipeg Blog, 10 March 2021.