Located in the historic, multi-ethnic, immigrant neighbourhood of Winnipeg’s North End, the Neo-Classical Ukrainian Labour Temple was built in 1918 at a cost of $72,000. It represented the social, cultural and educational supplement of the Ukrainian socialist movement in Canada.

The North End community raised $5,600 to cover some of the $72,000 in construction costs. When the building opened it played a major role fostering Ukrainian education and culture in the neighbourhood, offering music and language schools, festivals, and a hub for Ukrainian publications – including Canada’s first Ukrainian newspaper, Robochy Narod (Working People).

Symbolism and politics played a role in the subdued Neo-classical design of the temple. This is most evident in the main entrance, which is approached by four broad steps and framed by rusticated stone columns. Above this doorway, carved stone hands extend around a globe and a banner is inscribed with “Workers of the World Unite”.

The remainder of the façade is typically classical. Large keystones cap off the windows, while brick pilasters rise from the ground to the limestone entablature. A 1926 addition by Robert Edgar Davies carried on the classical style.

Few changes have been made to the façade, with the exception of adding glass blocks to windows.