Citizens Hall of Fame

Celebrating 40 Years of Community Excellence (1986–2026)

For 40 years, the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board's (WRREB) Citizens Hall of Fame celebrated individuals whose extraordinary contributions helped shape Winnipeg and enrich the lives of its citizens.

Established in 1986, the program recognized 52 remarkable Winnipeggers whose achievements in arts, business, volunteer service, professional leadership and public affairs made a lasting impact on our city.

The Citizens Hall of Fame concluded its induction program in 2026, with the Honourable Janice Filmon recognized as its 52nd and final inductee. With the existing installation at Assiniboine Park having reached its capacity for additional commemorative busts, WRREB brought this longstanding tradition to a close.

While no further inductions will take place and nominations are no longer being accepted, the Citizens Hall of Fame remains a lasting tribute to the individuals it has honoured. WRREB continues to maintain the site at Assiniboine Park, ensuring the commemorative busts are preserved for future generations.

Citizens Hall of Fame History

The Citizens Hall of Fame was founded in 1986 through the vision and dedication of Members of the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board. As part of an industry closely connected to Winnipeg's growth and development, WRREB sought to recognize individuals whose outstanding contributions had helped shape the city's history and strengthen its community.

Recognizing the need for a permanent public space to honour these individuals, WRREB established the Citizens Hall of Fame with the support of former Mayor W. Norrie and Winnipeg City Council.

The Citizens Hall of Fame was initially located on the second floor of Winnipeg City Hall before moving to the Assiniboine Riverwalk. Following challenges with flooding and vandalism, the installation was eventually relocated to its permanent home at Assiniboine Park.

Each of the 52 inductees was honoured with a commissioned bronze bust accompanied by biographical information highlighting their achievements and contributions to Winnipeg. Over the years, talented sculptors including Leo Mol, Eva Stubbs, Helen Granger-Young, Miguel Joyal, Josef Randa, Madeleine Vrignon and Erin Brown helped bring these tributes to life.

As the first initiative of its kind, the Citizens Hall of Fame is a permanent memento to the pursuit and attainment of individual excellence and achievement on behalf of one's community. Today, it continues to serve as a place where residents and visitors can discover the stories of remarkable Winnipeggers whose contributions helped define our city.

Honouring Extraordinary Winnipeggers

Throughout its 40-year history, the Citizens Hall of Fame recognized individuals who brought distinction to Winnipeg or made outstanding contributions to the city's quality of life and development. Their achievements extended across local, national and international communities.

Inductees were recognized for accomplishments in a variety of fields, including:

Arts: Contributions that enhanced and supported artistic and cultural life.
Business: Entrepreneurial achievements, including the establishment and successful operation of businesses.
Volunteer Service: Dedication to volunteer activities that benefited local and global communities.
Professional Achievement: Excellence in a chosen profession and contributions to its advancement.
Public Affairs: Public service and leadership in areas such as social advocacy, environmental protection, international affairs, political action and organized labour.

Recognition was not limited to these categories, and inductees making significant contributions across multiple areas were also considered.

A Lasting Legacy

The Honourable Janice Filmon's induction in September 2026 marked the conclusion of the Citizens Hall of Fame's 40-year history of recognizing outstanding Winnipeggers.

Although the induction program has concluded, the Citizens Hall of Fame will remain at Assiniboine Park as a permanent tribute to the 52 individuals recognized between 1986 and 2026. WRREB will continue to maintain the existing installation and update its signage to reflect the program's full history.