New neighbourhood named after former police chief

For nearly three decades, Arthur Bridgwater walked the streets of Fort Garry and ensured the public’s safety in his role as chief of the Fort Garry Police Department.

His tenure, from 1945 to 1974, was one of the longest by any police chief in North America, and during that time he firmly cemented his reputation in the community.

Now, 33 years after his death, Bridgwater’s name will be synonymous with that of another south Winnipeg community, Bridgwater Forest.

It is the first of seven new neighbourhoods under development in Waverley West, and was given the name in honour of long-standing public servant.

“My father would have been very pleased to have received such an honour. The entire family was happy to see him get the recognition,” said his son Bob Bridgwater.

This latest honour for Bridgwater should come as no big surprise, considering how large a role he played in his community.

In addition to being chief of police, Bridgwater was also the fire chief, official dog catcher, weed inspector and license inspector.

“He really did it all. At times he would have to look after a fire and also try and find the one responsible for starting it,” said his son Bob.

It wasn’t easy, given Bridgwater’s limited resources at the time.

When he took command of the Fort Garry Police Department in 1945, there was a total of two members including himself. There was no radio communication, and a 1928 Ford Roadster with a rumble seat served as the only cruiser car.

Under Bridgwater’s watch, the force grew in size to 37 men before the unification of the Greater Winnipeg Police Forces in 1974.

Ron Rentz had the opportunity to serve with Bridgwater for 15 of those years and says his boss was well-liked, both by his men and the community.

“He really stressed a sense of community and for that he was well respected by all of the business people in Fort Garry. He asked us to get to know the business people themselves, not just checking their doors everyday, but to know the people behind the store fronts,” Rentz said.

Bridgwater took pride in his community involvement, whether it be as a member of the community club or as the director of an old-timers hockey club.

He also didn’t mind showing outsiders what a great place it could be, either. An old newspaper tells the story of how Bridgwater pulled over a car with out-of-town plates and surprised the couple with a tour of the town, providing them meals at local restaurants, haircuts and a night at the theatre in an effort to highlight the many good qualities of the city he had grown so fond of.

“He was a man full of good ideas. I think he was the first to have his men wear two uniforms. In the summer they would switch over to khaki uniforms to prevent them from getting too hot,” Bob said

One of Bridgwater’s most famous accomplishments was the construction of a police shooting range that bore his name.

Considered by some as the grandfather of police combat shooting, Bridgwater built the range along with his men in 1964 on Cadboro Road and was often found there polishing up his firearm skills.

The range was demolished last year to make room for new development. However, his name will continue to live on.