Historic Sites of Manitoba: Federal Grain Elevator / Manitoba Pool Grain Elevator (Centennial Siding, RM of West St. Paul)

Link to:
Agents / Buyers | Photos & Coordinates | Sources

A 55,000-bushel elevator at Centennial Siding, on the CPR Winnipeg Beach Subdivision in the Rural Municipality of West St. Paul next to the Perimeter Highway around Winnipeg was built by Federal Grain in 1967. It was sold in early 1972 to Manitoba Pool Elevators which operated it for the next 18 years. On 17 May 1990, a fire destroyed the elevator along with $50,000 worth of sunflower seeds, canola, and flax. An investigation determined it was the work of a 21-year-old serial arsonist who worked in the elevator. He was sentenced to a year in jail and two years of probation. Threatened with closure back in December 1988, due to insufficient throughput, the elevator was not rebuilt.

Agents / Buyers

Period	Agent / Buyer
1967-1972	?
1972-1973	Q. M. Klassen
1973-1974	Colin G. Granger
1974-1981	Charles Duane Anderson
1981-1988	Dennis Monchalin
1988-1990	?

Photos & Coordinates

The former Federal Grain elevator at Centennial Siding (circa 1970) Source: Agricore United Engineering Department, Tom Price (Mgr), provided by Glenn Dickson (University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections) The former Federal Grain elevator at Centennial Siding (1972) Source: Agricore United Engineering Department, Tom Price (Mgr), provided by Glenn Dickson (University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections) The former Federal Grain elevator at Centennial Siding (1972) Source: Agricore United Engineering Department, Tom Price (Mgr), provided by Glenn Dickson (University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections) Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.97461, W97.08306 denoted by symbol on the map above

Sources:

Manitoba Pool Fonds, S. J. McKee Archives, Brandon University.

“Pool elevator closings raise farmers' anger,” Winnipeg Free Press, 14 August 1988, page 8.

“Elevator battle looming,” Brandon Sun, 15 August 1988, page 3.

“Blaze destroys grain elevator,” Winnipeg Free Press, 18 May 1990, page 2.

“Fires cause $1.5-million in damage, man charged,” Winnipeg Free Press, 22 August 1990, page 4.

“‘Impulsive’ arsonist gets year for blazes,” Winnipeg Free Press, 17 July 1991, page 3.

We thank Nathan Kramer for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough, Mike Lisowski, and Glenn Dickson.

Page revised: 15 January 2022

Historic Sites of Manitoba This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only. SEARCH the collection Browse lists of: Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | Other Inclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner. Site information is provided by the Manitoba Historical Society as a free public service only for non-commercial purposes. Send corrections and additions to this page to the MHS Webmaster at webmaster@mhs.mb.ca. Search Tips | Suggest an Historic Site | FAQ Help us keep history alive!