The Transition Period

Between 1950 and 1960 changes reshaped mental health services, including the introduction of new medications to effectively stabilize more uncommon symptoms of mental illness, allowing the option to return to regular community life.

SELKIRK

1957 – Numbers drop from 1200 to less than 280 hospitalized patients at Selkirk Hospital.

1973 – The facility is renamed the Selkirk Mental Health Centre, reflecting changing attitudes towards mental health.

1978 – The original main building is closed and demolished due to unsafe living conditions.

1998 – The Selkirk Mental Health Centre officially closes its doors.

BRANDON

1972 – Changes its name to “Brandon Mental Health Centre”.

1992 – The Valleyview Building closes

1999 – The other buildings on the site close.

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE

The former residents of the Manitoba Development Centre, particularly those who were there between 1960 and1970, speak of the inhumane treatment experienced there. Fear was omnipresent and privacy was nonexistent in these 30-bed dormitories. Solitary confinement was used as a disciplinary measure. Some staff members were physically violent. Some say hunger was commonplace. The residents had little to no help and were forced to be there.

1967 – Manitoba School for Mental Defectives is renamed Manitoba School for Retardates.

1984 – The Manitoba School for Retardates is renamed The Manitoba Development Centre.

Sources

Manitoba Asylum – Selkirk Museum
[https://selkirkmuseum.ca/places/the-manitoba-asylum/]

History of SMHC.pdf (smhc-archives.com)
[https://smhc-archives.com/index_htm_files/History of SMHC.pdf]

Photo Credits

Demolition of Selkirk Mental Hospital
Demolition of Selkirk Mental Hospital
Demolition of Selkirk Mental Hospital
Demolition of Selkirk Mental Hospital
Archives of Manitoba, Government photographs, 78-12634 to 78-12668 Demolition of Selkirk Mental Hospital, ZZ 8-1-6-3