Canada

Sign of the times: Extensive Winnipeg sign collection being auctioned off

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A number of historic Winnipeg business signs are hitting the auction block. CTV’s Jon Hendricks has more.

The old banner at the Burton Cummings Theatre, along with a huge haul of dining, transit and other signs will soon be auctioned off.

The signs were collected over the years by Winnipeg sign making company SRS Signs.

Now, owner Shane Storie is thinning out part of his collection.

“I like collecting, but I don’t want to be a hoarder where it sits in a shipping container,” Storie said. “So, I want to get it out into the world where somebody is going to be able to enjoy it.”

sign letters Sign letters in Shane Storie's collection are seen on Oct. 8, 2025. (Jon Hendricks/CTV News Winnipeg)

There will be a lot for collectors to enjoy.

Storie is auctioning off the letters from the old Walker Theatre sign. The letters that made up the Sears and Hudson Bay signs at Polo Park are also up for grabs, along with a wide assortment of old fast food signs, the original Bell Hotel sign and dozens of Winnipeg Transit signs.

Winnipeg transit signs Multiple Winnipeg Transit route signs in Shane Storie's collection are pictured on Oct. 8, 2025. (Jon Hendricks/CTV News Winnipeg)

“With Winnipeg Transit changing the bus routes again to a new look, which is blue and silver, I thought before all the kids and everybody forget what they used to look like, now is a good time to get them out,” Storie said.

The signs will be auctioned off by McSherry Auction in Stonewall, Man., on Oct. 28th

Bidding is being done online.

Blue Bombers sign A Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign in Shane Storie's collection is seen on Oct. 8, 2025. (Jon Hendricks/CTV News Winnipeg)
starbucks sign Shane Storie holds a Starbucks Coffee sign up for auction on Oct. 8, 2025. (Jon Hendricks/CTV News Winnipeg)