C. P. R. Station
Aboriginal Centre Rotunda
Higigns at Main

The last and most grandiose C. P. R. station to be built at Winnipeg was a product of the economic rise of the prairie west after 1896. Winnipeg, being the nearest metropolitan centre to the Lakehead and possessing an aggressive bank exchange, consolidated and enlarged its position as a banking, commercial and distribution centre. Within this setting of prosperity and growth, Canadian Pacific decided to construct a large depot at Winnipeg to serve the needs of the travelling public and to accommodate large administrative facilities.

By every measure of comparison, the new depot outdistanced its competitors. The depot was characterized by spaciousness and the structure of four stories was designed so that extra floors could be added as required. The neo-classical exterior of red brick and white Tyndall limestone was graced with massive double columns at the main entrance and crowned be a monumental decorated pediment. This magnificent building, designed by Edward and William S. Maxwell, was even adjustable for the drastic variations in Winnipeg's temperature. The result was, in the words of one reporter, "a place of rest amid wild confusion".