The Regina Cyclone of 1912

The Regina Cyclone

On June 30, 1912, at approximately 5 p.m., one of the most severe tornados documented in Canada struck the city of Regina. Rated as F4 on the Fujita scale (devastating, with winds of 331-417 km/h), the tornado – often referred to as the “Regina Cyclone” – formed about 18 km south of the city and travelled north, through several farmsteads before reaching Regina. Upon entering the city, the tornado tore through residential neighbourhoods, businesses, warehouse areas, and rail yards, resulting in 28 deaths, hundreds of injuries and $1.2 million in property damage (in todays money that would be the equivalent of $485 million dollars). The tornado travelled a reported 12 km further north of the city before dissipating.

In the aftermath of the Regina Cyclone, approximately 2,500 people were left homeless and many downtown buildings were damaged or destroyed, including the newly-built central library, the Y.M.C.A. and Y.W.C.A., the Metropolitan Methodist Church, the Knox Presbyterian Church, the C.P.R. Freight Depot and the Telephone Exchange. Most of the city buildings and houses were rebuilt within the following year, though the loans taken out by the city and its residents to finance the rebuilding effort took almost 40 years to repay.

[R-A265-19] Ackerman block on Dewdney Street.

[R-A265-23] North side of Metropolitan Church after cyclone.

[R-A265-24] What was left of Government Telephone Exchange, situated 1700 block, east side of Lorne Street, after cyclone, June 30, 1912. Looking east, Darke Block and post office in background.

[R-A265-28] Part of warehouse section of city, on the north side after the cyclone. June 30, 1912. (Rumsley Products Co., Agricultural Implements, 1341 Rose Street.)

[R-A265-29] Corner of Lorne Street and 13^th Avenue after cyclone on June 30, 1912. Looking northeast. 

[R-A2840-19] Three houses (one toppled over, at right) on what appears to be a residential street, following the tornado. Three unidentified individuals can be seen on sidewalk in front of houses. 

[R-A6675-6] View from Albert Street and 11^th Avenue.

[R-A6675-13] Houses on street (possibly 11^th Avenue) damaged by cyclone. 

[R-A26148] View of damage in rail yard after the cyclone, including overturned building of Winnipeg Elevator Co. Ltd.

[R-A26152] Unidentified man with damaged car, in front of house. (Photography by John “Jack” McKay.)

[RA-26933] View of Lorne Street, following the cyclone; two dogs can be seen on the road, as well as two unidentified women walking. (Postcard.)

[R-A3329-13] Regina’s Public Library, following the tornado. Funded by Andrew Carnegie, the library had been officially opened just six weeks prior, on May 11, 1912.