Winnipeg park renamed in honour of former councillor Florence Pierce

A tiny, triangle-shaped park in south Winnipeg has been renamed in honour of Florence Pierce, a former councillor who oversaw the growth of St. Vital during an important time in its history.

"Florence Pierce is a remarkable figure in St. Vital history. She was first woman to be elected to St. Vital council and was eventually elected at three levels of municipal government," current St. Vital Coun. Brian Mayes said on Tuesday, as he officially renamed the former Harry Paul Park at the southwest corner of Fermor Avenue and St. Mary's Road.

A city committee voted to rename the park as Harry Paul, former mayor of the City of St. Vital, has already been commemorated by H.S. Paul School and the adjacent H.S. Paul Park.

"I'm thrilled to have found a way to honour Coun. Pierce and tell her story. St. Vital now has a tradition of strong female politicians. In fact, St. Vital's Seine River [electoral riding] is the only provincial riding that has only been represented by women."

Pierce served St. Vital as it evolved from a rural municipality to its own city, and then as it amalgamated with 12 other municipalities to create the greater City of Winnipeg in 1972.

She also fought to save the home that once belonged to Louis Riel's mother and preserve it as a public museum. It was later designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1976.

She served 19 years, from 1958 until 1977, when she retired.

An educator as well as a politician, Pierce taught in rural areas and various schools in Winnipeg. She passed away on March 5, 2007.

Winnipeg park renamed in honour of former councillor Florence Pierce

8 years ago

Duration 0:36

A tiny, triangle-shaped park in south Winnipeg has been renamed in honour of Florence Pierce, a former city councillor who oversaw the growth of St. Vital during an important time in its history.

Florence Pierce Park is at the southwest corner of Fermor Avenue and St. Mary's Road.