Take a walk in Bruce Park and learn the history of the park’s landmarks.

This is a monument to Alfred Hanks, who was the former mayor of St. James and editor of the local newspaper St. James Leader. The newspaper was produced across the street from St. James Collegiate in the Leader Building, which is currently a photo studio. Alfred Hanks was born in Winnipeg in 1894. He was a graduate of Engineering at the U of M and one of many who volunteered for WW1. He was wounded in 1916 and returned to Winnipeg and his career at Dominion Bridge Company.

On a visit to St. James he bought the paper and began a lifelong relationship with the town. Alfred Hanks was the editor at the Leader from 1933 to 1962; he sold the newspaper following his successful bid to become Mayor.

Alfred Hanks was perhaps the city’s most important Mayor as he played an instrumental role in building the Grace Hospital, the Library, the Civic Centre and the restoration of the first Anglican Church on Tylehurst, Bruce Park and the Cenotaph. This plaque was founded in 1985, following his death.