Looking for two good Winnipeggers: nominations for Citizens Hall of Fame

It’s again time to select two Winnipeggers who have made an outstanding contribution to the quality of life in their 

community for induction into the Citizens Hall of Fame.

“We will be selecting one inductee in the contemporary category and another in the historical one (major accomplishments prior or up to 1950),” said Winnipeg Real Estate Board member and Citizens Hall of Fame chairman, Bill Burns.

Twenty-nine Winnipeggers have been inducted into the Citizens Hall of Fame since the WREB created it in 1986.

All 29 inductees have made an outstanding contribution to Winnipeg’s quality of life and many of their accomplishments have extended into the national and international arena.

“It never ceases to amaze me how blessed we are as Winnipeggers to have 

citizens stepping forward as they do to make our city a better place to live and one that we can call home,” added Burns.

Burns cited the example provided by 

the late Israel Asper, who was inducted 

into the Citizens Hall of Fame in 1999. He said the $243-million Canadian Museum of Human Rights at The Forks — the brainchild of Asper — has stirred up enthusiasm in the community and shows that 

Winnipeg and Manitoba can be the home of a world-class facility.

At the time of his induction, Asper pledged that his children will “use my assets to try to make a difference in the community.” 

It’s his daughter, Gail, who is continuing Asper’s dream to establish a human rights museum in Winnipeg, as well as the family resources of the Asper Foundation.

Sculptures of inductees can be seen in the Formal Garden (just off Corydon Avenue and Park Boulevard) in Assiniboine Park.

Last year’s inductees, Carl Ridd and 

Lionel Lemoine Fitzgerald will have their sculptures installed later this year.

Other sculptures of inductees include 

individuals such as Ella Cora Hind, Dr. Arnold Naimark, Stephen Juba, Nellie 

McClung, John Wesley Dafoe and Carol Ann Shields.

The cut-off date for nominations is 

Friday, May 27. Nomination forms are available at the WREB office, 1240 Portage Ave.