'Very special to us': Last Christmas on display for model holiday village in Winnipeg
A long-standing holiday tradition for one Winnipeg family is coming to an end.
Teresa Vanoutrive has been collecting model houses, shops, carnival rides, and other similar pieces for about 40 years with the help of her husband Brian, who wired all of the lighting for their expansive Christmas display.
"I owned and operated a daycare, and one of the daycare children gave me a small Christmas house so I made a big deal of it," said Vanoutrive. "My little table it was on all of a sudden became a bigger table, and bigger. Every year people kept giving me houses, and then eventually I started buying houses myself and creating the village."
The Christmas village at Fred Douglas Place is on display for the final time this season (Image source: Zach Kitchen/CTV News Winnipeg)
Each Christmas season the two painstakingly set-up the sprawling village at Fred Douglas Place to share a little holiday magic with friends, family, and even strangers.
"We actually had two officers stop in here the other day - two beat cops - and they said 'We heard on the street that this place has a huge village,' so they stopped in to have a look at it.
But now the couple say this is the last Christmas for their village. They plan to sell off the collection, either as a whole, in sections, or piece-by-piece.
The Christmas village at Fred Douglas Place is on display for the final time this season (Image source: Zach Kitchen/CTV News Winnipeg)
Vanoutrive said it has been a wonderful holiday tradition over the years.
"It's just really nice to see the reactions of all the people and everything. That's very special to us."
The Christmas village at Fred Douglas Place is on display for the final time this season (Image source: Zach Kitchen/CTV News Winnipeg)
The Christmas village at Fred Douglas Place is on display for the final time this season (Image source: Zach Kitchen/CTV News Winnipeg)
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Why would I box myself in?: Singh on why he won't commit to helping bring Trudeau's gov't down, yet
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's looming tariff threat is part of the reason why he's not committing to voting non-confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government.
Donald Trump says Canada becoming 51st U.S. state is 'a great idea.' Jean Charest calls the comment a 'wake-up call'
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is taking aim at Canada once more, saying it would be 'a great idea' to make it America's ‘51st state.'
'It's a giant mess': Confusion remains about the GST/HST holiday
The organization representing small and medium size businesses in Canada says the start to the GST and HST holiday has been 'a giant mess.'
B.C. man drops camera into ocean, accidentally captures 'breathtaking' whale video
Before it turned into an extraordinary day, Peter Mieras says it began being quite ordinary.
'You're either with Beijing or you're with Washington': Ford says to Mexico in CNN interview
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has a message for Mexico as the threat of tariffs by incoming president Donald Trump hangs over both sides of the U.S. border.
Oldest stone tablet inscribed with Bible's Ten Commandments sells for US$5 million
The oldest known tablet inscribed with the Ten Commandments from the Old Testament sold on Wednesday for US$5.04 million, more than double its high estimate.
What's the best treatment for ADHD? Large new study offers clues
Stimulant medications and certain therapies are more effective in treating ADHD symptoms than placebos, a new study on more than 14,000 adults has found.
NEW
NEW Here's how the cost of living challenges are shaking up Canadian seniors' retirement plans
With the high cost of living increasingly a concern, some seniors are making sacrifices to help their adult children and grandchildren make ends meet. Here are some of their stories.
There are 88 new Order of Canada appointees. Here's a look at some of the most notable names
Ryan Reynolds, Scott Oake and Maureen Ann Jennings are among the 88 new recipients of the Order of Canada.
Regina
-
Highway conditions deteriorate across southern Sask. with snowfall warning in effect
Much of southern Saskatchewan remains under a snowfall warning on Wednesday afternoon, with 10 to 20 centimetres of snow expected to fall in some areas over the next 24 hours.
-
'Alarmingly high': Homelessness in Regina up 255 per cent since 2015, according to study
There are currently 824 people in Regina who are experiencing homelessness, according to the 2024 point-in-time homelessness count.
-
'Should move forward': Still no plea from Saskatchewan student who allegedly set teen on fire
More than three months have passed since a Saskatoon girl was set on fire, yet her classmate charged in connection with the incident has still not made a plea.
Saskatoon
-
'Should move forward': Still no plea from Saskatchewan student who allegedly set teen on fire
More than three months have passed since a Saskatoon girl was set on fire, yet her classmate charged in connection with the incident has still not made a plea.
-
'Don't want to lose any more people': Saskatoon rally calls for solutions for growing homeless population
David Fineday doesn't want any more of his friends to die on Saskatoon streets this winter.
-
'Very hectic': Local couriers seeing record business during Canada Post strike
Local couriers in Saskatchewan are working extended hours under increased demand to fill a void left by the Canada Post work stoppage this holiday season.
Edmonton
-
Explosion reported at Strathcona Spirits Distillery
Fire crews were called to reports of an explosion at Strathcona Spirits Distillery in south Edmonton at 10:16 a.m. on Wednesday.
-
Edmonton pediatrician sentenced to 18 months on child pornography charges
An Edmonton pediatrician who was found guilty on child pornography charges last year will spend 18 months in jail.
-
Man arrested in central Alberta convenience store robbery
Blackfalds RCMP arrested a young man in connection to an armed robbery at a convenience store last month.
Calgary
-
More than 100 cats surrendered by Calgary homeowner
The Calgary Humane Society says it is investigating after 110 cats were surrendered into its care by a Calgary homeowner.
-
Emaciated bear cub rescued by Alberta wildlife organization
Officials at an Alberta animal rescue organization have taken in an emaciated black bear cub found wandering alone earlier this month.
-
Olympic hopeful finds way to offset costs to compete in his sport
Tom Stephen is an engineering student at the University of Calgary. He’s also on Canada’s national cross-country ski team.
Toronto
-
'I still haven't slept:' Oshawa mom finds bullet hole in daughter’s dresser after 14 shots fired at housing complex
An Oshawa mom discovered bullet holes in her daughter’s dresser and in the ceiling of her living room early Wednesday morning after police say more than a dozen shots were “indiscriminately” fired at a housing complex overnight.
-
Video shows arrest of 4 suspects in Richmond Hill jewelry store robbery
A police helicopter helped track jewelry store robbers from Richmond Hill to Toronto, leading to the arrest of two men and two teenagers.
-
Man wanted after shots fired at Newmarket home in ‘targeted’ incident: police
An Aurora man is wanted by York Regional Police after allegedly firing shots at a Newmarket home over the weekend.
Ottawa
-
New visitor centre opens in downtown Ottawa
A new visitor centre has opened in downtown Ottawa to assist the millions of tourists who flock to Canada's capital every year.
-
Busiest travel days of the year at Ottawa airport this weekend
The Ottawa airport is reminding holiday passengers to be prepared and to plan in advance for the peak of the holiday travel rush this weekend.
-
Olivia, Adam top baby names in Ottawa for 2023
Ontario unveiled the top baby names for 2023, and Olivia and Adam occupy the top spots in Ottawa.
Montreal
-
Sentencing Friday for Quebecer convicted of killing spouse, two children
A Quebecer convicted this week in a triple domestic murder that left a woman and her two young children dead in a Montreal suburb will be sentenced on Friday.
-
Quebec doctors Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Joe Schwarcz appointed to Order of Canada
Numerous Quebecers, including former professional footballer Dr. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and McGill University and CJAD 800's Dr. Joe Schwarcz, were among those appointed to the Order of Canada.
-
Synagogue on Montreal's West Island firebombed overnight
A synagogue on Montreal's West Island was the target of an alleged arson attack.
Atlantic
-
Mix of snow, rain Wednesday night and Thursday; nor'easter Friday night into Saturday
A strong coastal storm threatens to bring heavy snowfall to parts of the Maritimes this weekend.
-
'A gift this size is extraordinary': Family donates $1M to N.S. hospital
A hospital foundation in Dartmouth, N.S., received a significant donation on Wednesday to help advance innovative and exceptional care.
-
Three people face charges in murder of Saint John man
Three people are facing charges in connection with the murder of 52-year-old Allan Lee, whose remains were found in Saint John, N.B., in the summer.
Vancouver
-
BREAKINGBREAKING B.C. police officer accused of sexual assault has died, sources say
One of the two B.C. police officers charged this week with sexually assaulting the same "vulnerable" woman has died, CTV News has learned.
-
B.C. teacher disciplined for failing to seize makeshift weapon from student
A B.C. teacher who failed to confiscate an item that one student had planned to use to attack another has been reprimanded by the province's professional regulator.
-
Death of woman found in Kelowna's Waterfront Park in June deemed 'non-criminal in nature': RCMP
Police in Kelowna say a death they began investigating back in June has now been confirmed as "non-criminal in nature."
Vancouver Island
-
BREAKING
BREAKING B.C. police officer accused of sexual assault has died, sources say
One of the two B.C. police officers charged this week with sexually assaulting the same "vulnerable" woman has died, CTV News has learned.
-
Boater clinging to capsized skiff rescued by B.C. ferry near terminal
A British Columbia ferry had to be diverted to rescue a person clinging to their overturned boat near a ferry terminal on Monday.
-
Russian Embassy denies allegation of involvement in killing of Sikh activist in B.C.
A Sikh separatist group is accusing the Russian government of direct involvement in the murder of activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside his gurdwara last year in Surrey, B.C.
Kelowna
-
Death of woman found in Kelowna's Waterfront Park in June deemed 'non-criminal in nature': RCMP
Police in Kelowna say a death they began investigating back in June has now been confirmed as "non-criminal in nature."
-
B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict
A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying.
-
Paramedic threatened at knifepoint inside Kelowna ambulance station, union says
The union representing ambulance paramedics in B.C. is calling on the province to beef up security after they say a knife-wielding woman attacked a worker.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland man facing more charges related to youth sex crimes
A 64-year-old Newfoundland man charged with dozens of sex crimes involving young people is facing several new charges.
-
After fanfare of Churchill Falls deal, Newfoundland urged to learn its dam lessons
Energy observers in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the provincial government to take a sober second look at a massive tentative deal announced last week with Quebec that promises to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the Atlantic province.
-
Backhoe used to tear the front off Newfoundland bank, four facing charges: RCMP
Four people in eastern Newfoundland are facing charges after a stolen backhoe was used to tear the front off the RBC bank in Holyrood.
Northern Ontario
-
War of words escalates into lawsuits between Greater Sudbury, roads contractor
A bitter battle between Greater Sudbury and a southern Ontario roads contractor related to a troubled repair job on the Kingsway is now in the courts.
-
Northern Ont. man celebrates $100K lotto win
Raymond Penasse of Garden Village matched all five cards to win $100,000 in the Nov. 13 Poker Lotto draw.
-
One child taken to hospital after Sudbury school bus rear ended
One child has been taken to hospital after a school bus was rear-ended on Municipal Road 35 east of Azilda in Greater Sudbury on Wednesday morning.
Barrie
-
Fatal multi-vehicle crash on Highway 93 under investigation
Provincial police are investigating a multi-vehicle collision that claimed the life of one person in Springwater Township Wednesday morning.
-
Lawyer confirms Barrie man's death days after charges withdrawn in fatal stabbing case
A Barrie man who spent nearly two years in custody accused of murder has died less than a week after the charges against him were withdrawn.
-
Police release identities of 3 men charged in Sharif Rahman homicide investigation
Owen Sound Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police revealed new details at a press conference held Wednesday about the homicide investigation of Sharif Rahman, the restaurant owner who was fatally assaulted last year.
Kitchener
-
developingdeveloping Jewelry store robbery at Conestoga Mall in Waterloo
Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a jewelry store robbery at Conestoga Mall in Waterloo.
-
Multiple shots fired into Cambridge home
Police said multiple residences reported damages “consistent with shots fired.”
-
Police release identities of 3 men charged in Sharif Rahman homicide investigation
Owen Sound Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police revealed new details at a press conference held Wednesday about the homicide investigation of Sharif Rahman, the restaurant owner who was fatally assaulted last year.
London
-
Dream Lottery grand prize winners announced
Dream Lottery announced their top winners Wednesday at the Royal Oak Dream Home in Thorndale.
-
'It was quite spectacular': LHSC brass marvel at staff professionalism during weekend shooting, improved security on the way
The provincially appointed supervisor at London Health Sciences Centre said improved security measures will be installed in the coming months at both the Victoria and University hospital sites.
-
Police release identities of 3 men charged in Sharif Rahman homicide investigation
Owen Sound Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police revealed new details at a press conference held Wednesday about the homicide investigation of Sharif Rahman, the restaurant owner who was fatally assaulted last year.
