July 1: Gilbert Plains incorporates; WPS' first policewoman; Conan Doyle visits; EK becomes a city.

Happy Canada Day ! Here is a history of the holiday. 

July 1, 1941 - Winnipeg-born Helen Marianne Hansford, 34, joins the Winnipeg Police Department. As she sometimes walked the beat, she is considered by some to be the city's first 'full' female police officer on the force.

"She was well respected by all members of the department and others she worked with. Helen retired after thirty years of service on July 10th, 1971 and was seriously ill with cancer. She died a few months later on February 20th, 1972." 

Source: Winnipeg Police Museum

July 1, 1914 - Long-time Winnipeg mayor Stephen Juba is born in Winnipeg.

July 1, 1906 - The Town of Gilbert Plains is incorporated.

July 1, 1923 - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle arrives in Winnipeg. Interested in spiritualism, he came to visit Dr. T.G. Hamilton who was doing groundbreaking research into the subject at his Henderson Highway clinic / home.

July 1, 1991 – The West End Memorial Community Centre is officially renamed the Burton Cummings Community Centre.

July 1, 2008 - Randy Bachman is named an Officer of the Order of Canada “For his contributions as an iconic Canadian rock musician and for his support of Canadian music as a producer of emerging Canadian artists.”

July 1, 2008 - Gail Asper is named an Officer of the Order of Canada “For her work as an arts advocate, fundraiser, and business and community leader who has brought her leadership and vision to the benefit of cultural, community and charitable associations at the local, provincial and national levels.”

Free Press July 2, 1957

Premier Campbell Presents Mayor George Suttie with city charter.

July 1, 1957 - The City of East Kildonan, (also see), is incorporated, becoming Manitoba's 6th largest city with a population of 20,000. Its roots grew out of the R.M. of East Kildonan established in 1914. 

The last reeve of the R.M. and first mayor of the city was George N. Suttie. For more on the day's events. Also: Farewell to an EK landmark.

July 1, 2003 – Winnipeg’s Smoking Regulation Bylaw, prohibiting smoking in public places, takes effect.

July 1, 1948 - The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation buys CKY radio from Manitoba Government Telephones (now MTS).

 July 1, 1967 - The Order of Canada is created. The first member invested by the Queen is G.G. Roland Michener.