CPR “Steamer” Pier 1907 Almost directly east of the Pavilion lay the wooden promenade to the CPR Pier which was built in 1907. The pier ran 500 feet into the lake with a perpendicular section at the end. The CPR provided electric lighting that same year. The pier became a favourite promenade for young ladies in all their finery, and young men clothed in flannel trousers and boaters. Steamers docked in the sheltered area inside the end of the dock. Between 1913 and 1945, water levels on Lake Winnipeg were one to three feet below normal. The beach was immense compared to the present narrow beach, and was ideal for sunbathing and picnicking. Photos from the period show bathers out almost to the end of the pier standing in water only up to their knees. The result was that families tended to congregate around the pier. Concessions at the entry to the pier developed additional revenue.

Source: Manitoba Heritage

Researcher: Wally Johannson