125. That's how old Dauphin is as on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, the City of Dauphin turned 125 years old.
As the largest city in the Parkland region, Dauphin's driven by many things including the agriculture sector, with farms in the area producing grains, oilseeds, honey, and livestock. Also home to various industries such as manufacturing, health care, education, recreation/tourism, and retail, Dauphin is an incredible place to call home or visit.
Dauphin is also a regional healthcare hub, part of Prairie Mountain Health. Dauphin has seven schools including the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School (DRCSS) and the first school was built in 1903, a frame building that is currently present on the Mackenzie School site.
Dauphin is also home to the Kings, a team that advanced to the national championship two seasons ago and they are one of the most storied franchises in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. James Ball -- an Olympic silver medalist -- is from Dauphin and LT. Col. William George Barker is Canada's most decorated serviceman and he was born in Dauphin in 1894. The Dauphin airport and a school in Dauphin are named after him.
As Dauphin celebrates their 125th birthday, Fort Dauphin Museum will be hosting a celebration on Tuesday from 1 to 4.
730CKDM caught up with several Dauphinites and some special messages were shared on this incredible city so many of us call home.
Brittany from Dauphin.
"I love how close we are to beaches and Riding Mountain National Park," she said. "We have a great library and there are so many great things for my kids to do. It's a great place to live, we love Dauphin."
Carla from Dauphin.
"It's amazing to see everyone pull together to make things happen," she said. "Whether it's a festival or a project, everyone comes together to do what needs to be done."
Jodie from Dauphin.
"I love the festivals and events that happen throughout the year," she said. "Also the amazing people that make it happen, Dauphin is such a special place to live."
Cam from Dauphin.
"I love that we are big enough to have everything you need," he said. "And also small enough that you always know someone on the street. You can walk into the bakery and if you forgot your wallet, they will tell you to pay next time."
A vibrant Ukrainian community, Canada's National Ukrainian Festival is coming up from August 4 to 6 just south of Dauphin and as of the 2021 census, Dauphin had a population of just greater than 8,300 people.
Dauphin has also been referred to as the 'horseshoe capital of Canada'. This is because Bert Snart served as president of the Dauphin Horseshoe Club for 32 years. He was inducted into the Horseshoe Hall of Fame in 1976.
Lindsey from Dauphin.
"I love all of the incredible people in this community, there is so much kindness," she offered. "Everyone comes together when a person is in time of need and they work together, that's my favourite part of Dauphin."
David from Dauphin.
"It's a beautiful place to live, clean air and lots of blue skies," he said. "It's a great place to live, especially if you love the outdoors."
Gary from Dauphin.
"I grew up here and there are still all sorts of contacts for family and friends," he said. "We're surrounded by lakes, mountains, and prairies... everything you need is right here."
LeeAnne from Dauphin is proud to call this community her home alongside her family.
"I'm loving watching families grow in our community," she said. "Also watching things like the Northgate Trails flourish and the Countryfest Community Cinema."
Cam moved here nearly 30 years ago and this is home.
"This was supposed to be a three-year stay and it's now nearly three decades," he said. "Raising my family here has been a great option. There have been so many amazing memories built over the years."
On top of CNUF that will be hosted next month, Dauphin is getting prepared to host the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games. The event is the largest multi-sport event in Manitoba and Dauphin is ready to show off all of its beautiful facilities and amazing volunteers.
125 years later and Dauphin is going strong and some would say, it's going stronger than ever.
