First Dance Pavilion 1902

About 300 yards north of the station, and adjacent to the picnic grounds, the company built a dance pavilion measuring 80 by 130 feet. It was two stories in height with a double-alcove roof. The original structure included a dance hall 60 feet wide by 120 feet long, built to accommodate 2500 dancers. It was enlarged in 1907 to 161 feet in length since it could not hold the deluge of Winnipeg day trippers that descended upon it. Electric lights now illuminated the entire building. The pavilion also included offices, a restaurant, a confectionery, a lunch room, and a kitchen. By 1915, the amusement facilities had expanded to include a moving picture theatre and billiards. Beach Attractions Ltd., established by the CPR in 1904, ran the Pavilion and amusements.

Source: Manitoba Heritage

Researcher: Wally Johannson