Charleswood, Manitoba

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Charleswood is a residential community within the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is located in the southwestern part of the city, and is bordered by the Assiniboine River to the north, the Rural Municipality of Macdonald to the south, the Rural Municipality of Headingley on the west and the Assiniboine Park and Forest to the east. Until it joined with the City of Winnipeg in 1972 it was a separate municipality known as the Rural Municipality of Charleswood. The population is 26,440 (Source: Statistics Canada Census 2001).

Charleswood
Charleswood

Before European settlement, the region was home to an ancient ford across the Assiniboine River. A ferry service was in operation in the region as late as 1908, and a trail leading to the ford was visible until fairly recently.

There was little housing in Charleswood before 1920, and only limited growth between 1920 and 1946. Following World War II, it became popular with immigrants from Europe who wanted to avoid living too close to the centre of Winnipeg. Development of the area increased, and new houses were constructed in the Roblin Park, Marlton, and Varsity View neighbourhoods. The area experienced particularly strong growth in the 1970s, with at least 7,500 homes built during that decade.

In 1995 the Charleswood Bridge opened over the Assiniboine River connecting Charleswood with the suburb of St. James-Assiniboia. Charleswood is unique among Winnipeg's suburban areas in that it retains a semi-rural atmosphere. Many streets remain unpaved, do not have sidewalks and are lined with ditches.