The first building at this site in downtown Russell, in what is now the Municipality of Russell-Binscarth, was known as the Wright Block, constructed in 1906. Its long-time occupant, the Union Bank of Canada, moved into it in 1907.
In April 1916, the building was destroyed by fire and a new two-storey red brick and stone building was designed by Winnipeg architects Lewis H. Jordan and Walter Percy Over. It was built at a cost of about $8,000 and continued in use as a branch of the Union Bank of Canada. In 1925, when the bank merged with the Royal Bank of Canada, it became a branch of that bank.
An addition was made at the back in 1964 and the entire interior was renovated. In 1978, the bank built a new building across the street.
Postcard view of the former Wright Block, built in 1906, before it was destroyed by fire in 1916 (no date)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough, 2023-0044
The former Union Bank Building at Russell (August 2013)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
The former Union Bank Building at Russell (February 2020)
Source: George PennerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N50.78049, W101.28773
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Wright Building (46 Main Street, Carberry)
Manitoba Business: Union Bank of Canada
Memorable Manitobans: Walter Percy Over (1874-1944)
Manitoba Business: Royal Bank of Canada
“Russell, Man.,” Contract Record and Engineering Review, 7 June 1916, page 48.
Russell Historical Walking Tour, Asessippi Parkland Tourism.
We thank George Penner and Jordan Makichuk for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 8 May 2025
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