Dugald, a quaint community nestled in Manitoba, Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Located just 10 kilometres east of Winnipeg, Dugald is conveniently situated at the junction of PTH 15 and Provincial Road 206 in the Rural Municipality of Springfield. This charming community is steeped in history and offers a unique blend of past and present.
Dugald's history is marked by a significant event, the Dugald train disaster of September 1947. A Canadian National Railway passenger train, composed of older wooden-bodied passenger cars, collided with a transcontinental passenger train made up of newer steel cars. The collision resulted in severe damage and fatalities on the older train. This tragic incident led to the retirement of the less crashworthy wooden cars, marking a significant shift in railway safety standards.
Dugald was once home to the Costume Museum, a unique institution dedicated to Canadian fashion. Although the museum relocated to downtown Winnipeg in 2006, it left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Dugald.
Dugald is also the birthplace of former National Hockey League goaltender Trevor Kidd. Kidd, who played in 387 regular season games for four teams, is a source of local pride and adds to the rich tapestry of Dugald's history.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Dugald boasts a population of 614, living in 279 of its 284 total private dwellings. This represents a 5.9% increase from its 2016 population of 580. With a land area of 3.02 km2 (1.17 sq mi), Dugald had a population density of 203.3/km2 (526.6/sq mi) in 2021.
Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a charming community to explore, Dugald, Manitoba, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and charm that is sure to captivate you.