River sliding a tradition at Bourkevale

Ice sliding onto the Assiniboine River at Bourkevale in the 1930s. These guys knew how to have fun!

Ice slides and toboggan runs have been a tradition at Bourkevale for many years, as evidenced by this historic picture that was just submitted to Bourkevale Community Centre. This slide was built by the Bourke family and friends circa the 1930s on what was then the Bourke family farm, about 20 years before Bourkevale Community Centre was established. It was located approximately 50 feet west of the current toboggan slide. Look for more historic pictures and information in the New Year about the Bourke family, their farm and the events that led to Bourkevale becoming a nine-hole golf course, a park and eventually a community centre.

City helps Bourkevale mark anniversary

Coun. Scott Fielding presents Bourkevale president Gary Kristiansen with a commemorative plaque

Bourkevale Community Centre celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the official opening of its clubhouse this month. The main clubhouse officially opened Dec. 5, 1952. Coun. Scott Fielding (St. James-Brooklands) was on hand to present the club with a commemorative plaque Dec. 14 to mark the occasion during Bourkevale's monthly board of directors meeting.
"I'd like to congratulate Bourkevale for 60 years of service, it's fantastic," said Fielding. "We should be proud of all the hard work volunteers have done over the years to keep the centre going."

Bourkevale celebrates 60th Anniversary of clubhouse

Joan Jackson, circa 1953 at new clubhouse

Sixty years ago, Bourkevale Community Centre officially opened its clubhouse on Dec. 5, 1952. It was a grand affair whose presence included then-mayor of St. James Reginald Wightman who cut the ceremonial ribbon with club president Art Stephens and past-president Bob Pyne. The club was packed with area residents on that Friday night and folks enjoyed a night of dancing, a live band and good times with neighbours and friends.
Bourkevale Community Centre has a rich history dating back to 1949, three years before the club finally got its own clubhouse, which was dragged down Ferry Road from the airport and installed at the present site.
We have launched a new Bourkevale history website which chronicles the early efforts of area residents to establish their local club, the struggles and challenges they encountered — including the tragic death of a young boy — and the success they ultimately enjoyed.
It's a remarkable story. Click here to explore the early days of Bourkevale and discover why this club, 60 years later, is still so important to our community.

Rinks are open, new season begins

First game of shinny of the season on the north rink, Dec. 1, 2012.

Bourkevale's rinks officially opened Saturday, Dec. 1. And it didn't take long for players to toss their sticks into centre-ice to kick off the season with the first shinny game of the year. With puck-board installed behind the nets this fall and new Bourkevale logos on each end of the ice, the rinks are looking fabulous. A giant thanks to our volunteer ice-makers Ron Templeton, Jeff Valgardson and Scotty Nystrome for their tireless efforts over the past two weeks to get the rinks ready.