Some notable people have strong association with the development and history of Winnipeg Beach.

Sir William Whyte

Sir William Whyte, General Manager of all CPR lines west of Lake Superior in 1896, and later promoted to Assistant to the President, is recognized for discovering and developing the resort community of Lake Winnipeg Beach. Whyte was created a Knight Bachelor in 1911.

Captain William Robinson

Robinson assisted Sir William Whyte in discovering Winnipeg Beach. He is known for building the first general store in Winnipeg Beach, selling groceries, dry goods, lumber, building supplies and cottage lots and plans. Captain Robinson was also President of the Northwest Navigation Company, and operated several vessels on Lake Winnipeg as well as a general store and lumber yard in Selkirk.

E.F. Stephenson

E. Frederick Stephenson, a Crown Timber Agent in Manitoba, was one of the first cottagers in the Winnipeg Beach area. He built the first cottage at Stephenson Point in 1898, a substantial two-storey log structure with later additions, which was used by Stephenson and family until his death in 1950.

W.J.Wood

One of the major entrepreneurs of the town, W.J. Wood arrived in Winnipeg Beach in 1904 and started a business in flour and feed, farm equipment and cordwood. He later branched into real estate insurance and cabin rentals. Wood served as first mayor of the village (1910- 12), and chaired the school board for over 40 years.

S.B. Ritchie

Mayor of Winnipeg Beach 1915-20, Winnipeg contractor, S.B. Ritchie is noted as the architect of “residential” Winnipeg Beach.“ Prior to the First World War, he leased about 20 lots a year, laid out streets and built roads and sidewalks. In the end, Ritchie constructed and sold almost 300 cottages, as well as being contracted to erect other cottages for summer residents. Between 1906 and 1908, he also created Ritchie Park complete with a tennis court.