The end of World War II brought a new sense of optimism in Winnipeg . Pent-up demand brought a boom in housing development , but building activity came to a halt due to the 1950 Red River flood , the largest flood to hit Winnipeg since 1861 ; the flood held waters above flood stage for 51 days . On May 8 , 1950 , eight dikes collapsed , four of the city 's eleven bridges were destroyed , and nearly 100,000 people had to be evacuated , making it Canada 's largest evacuation in history . Premier Douglas Campbell called for federal assistance , and Canadian Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent declared a state of emergency . Soldiers from the Princess Patricia 's Canadian Light Infantry regiment staffed the relief effort for the duration of the flood . The federal government estimated damages at over $ 26-million , although the province insisted it was at least double that
1950 Red River flood
1950 Red River flood
History of Winnipeg