Photo: Canstar Community News

It’s got a longstanding reputation as a haven for hippies. But there’s a lot more to Wolseley than Birkenstocks and love beads.

That’s what Red River College student Laina Hughes has learned while researching a book about the storied neighbourhood — which she’s writing as part of her Creative Communications course work. She hopes to paint a picture of the neighbourhood that goes beyond the usual stereotypes (granola, cyclists, mosquito buffer zones, etc.), while positioning it within the larger context of Winnipeg’s cultural mosaic.

A longtime Wolseley resident herself, Hughes has always wanted to write a book, so when the opportunity to research her favourite neighbourhood arose, she knew the subject matter would prove a perfect fit.

“I thought this would be a great way to learn more about Wolseley’s history while celebrating the beauty and unique culture of the neighbourhood,” says Hughes.

“I think Wolseley residents are passionate about their neighbourhood, and I’ve gotten a lot of interest and support from the community so far.”

If you’ve got a story about Wolseley to share, Hughes would love to hear from you. She can be reached via her Twitter account, @WolseleyStories, or by email, wolseleystories@gmail.com.