The Manitoba government is inviting Manitobans to an open house to learn more about the proposed provincial park at Lemay Forest in Winnipeg’s St. Norbert neighbourhood.
“We are excited to hear from Manitobans about the future of the Lemay Forest and creating a green space the whole community can enjoy,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes. “Safeguarding this forest is consistent with nature-based solutions in Manitoba’s Path to Net Zero and supports the province’s mandate to protect more of our province’s natural landscapes by 2030.”
Lemay Forest spans 22.5 acres of public land in the St. Norbert neighbourhood in south Winnipeg. It represents a unique combination of ecological richness, Indigenous cultural practices and significant heritage resources. Developing a provincial park offers an opportunity to secure and steward a historically meaningful and environmentally sensitive landscape within an urban context, guided by both provincial frameworks and community values.
Last April, the Manitoba government committed to protecting the forest by designating as a provincial park.
To guide the planning process and ensure local voices are heard, a steering committee of rights holders, key stakeholders and partners was established to bring together different perspectives, share knowledge and build consensus on a vision for the proposed provincial park. The steering committee is helping advance the park planning process through consensus-building and knowledge-sharing that will inform the development of a park proposal for future public and stakeholder engagement.
The open house is slated for Thursday, March 19 at the St. Norbert Community Centre, 3450 Pembina Hwy., Winnipeg. The public is invited to attend any time between 3pm and 5pm, or 6pm and 8pm. For more information, visit manitoba.ca.
The open house is an important and step in developing a Lemay Forest provincial park proposal, future engagements and the eventual establishment of the provincial park, the minister noted.
