This large complex in Leaf Rapids was designed by Winnipeg architect Leslie Joseph “Les” Stechesen and constructed between 1974 and 1975. It was a visionary experiment that contained a hospital, school, library, hotel, arena, curling rink, shops, and restaurants.
One of the interior rooms, the Exhibition Centre, was intended as a cultural exhibition space. It opened officially on 14 March 1975 under the leadership of local resident Irene Nordenholt. Its objectives were “to promote further development of regional and local arts and sciences and to promote workshops, seminars, and concerts.”
Leaf Rapids Town Centre (no date)
Source: Brian Hubner
Map of the Leaf Rapids Town Centre (1989)
Source: Leaf Rapids: A Local History, 1989, page 35.
Interior of the Leaf Rapids Town Centre (no date)
Source: Leaf Rapids Manitoba: A Bold New Concept for Community Development (no date), Leaf Rapids Development Corporation Limited
Interior of the Leaf Rapids Town Centre (no date)
Source: Leaf Rapids: A Local History 1970-1989 (1989)Site Coordinates (lat/long): N56.46256, W100.01046
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Leslie Joseph “Les” Stechesen
“Leaf Rapids National Exhibition Centre,” Leaf Rapids: A Local History, 1989, page 35.
We thank Colin Stanners, Brian Hubner, and Susan Algie for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gail Perry and Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 27 June 2026
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