The present-day North End was divided into long, narrow farming lots occupied by Selkirk Settlers.

The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway to Winnipeg would have a significant impact on the development of the North End as a largely working class neighbourhood.

The presence of this busy railroad and associated rail yards would effectively divide the North End from the rest of the city.

In the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, the North End, as a working class area, was largely pro-strike.

Parts of the area, especially east of McPhillips Street and south of Mountain Avenue are marked by high drug use and its associated crime and gang violence[citation needed].

Manitoba Hydro's grant alone accounted for a large number of homes to be totally insulated and have their furnaces upgraded.

The North End was considered Ward Three in the Old City of Winnipeg and historically voted for left of centre parties.

The area also elected communists James Litterick and Bill Kardash to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.

[6][13] Game show host and producer Monty Hall, novelists Adele Wiseman, comedian David Steinberg, journalist Larry Zolf, politician Lloyd Axworthy, musician Burton Cummings of the Guess Who, scientist Louis Slotin, Olympian Martin Riley and NHL players Bill Mosienko and Terry Sawchuk.