Looming development of urban Lemay Forest sparks preservation drive

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This article was published 06/11/2023 (712 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

St. Norbert residents are rallying to prevent the potential loss of a popular local forest, which could be cut down or reduced to make space for a new housing development.

A change.org petition to preserve the 22.5-acre site on private land, known as Lemay Forest, had gathered more than 1,100 signatures by Monday afternoon.

“To lose the rarity of a true urban forest within the city limits, seems like such a shame… It seems to fly in the face of what government’s long-term objectives are,” said Gerald Tole, an area resident.

He noted the City of Winnipeg plans to plant one million trees and preserve green space. However, the push to protect these particular trees clashes with another municipal objective to increase the housing supply.

Those fighting to protect the trees hope governments will step in and buy the land to retain its status as a popular walking area.

That could be possible, as owner Tochal Development Group has reached out to gauge such interest, despite it not being its first choice.

“We contacted all three levels of government, two school divisions, five Indigenous groups, 52 non-government organizations saying, ‘We’re moving forward with housing on this site. If you are interested in preserving all the trees, let us know,’” said project planner John Wintrup.

However, the company also warned if solid progress on that front isn’t achieved by the end of 2023, Tochal will pursue its housing plan.

The land in question is located next to the southwest shores of the Red River, east of 35 De La Digue Ave., west of 100 Villa Maria Pl. and north of the homes at 819-915 Lemay Ave.

Neighbours learned of the site’s status in October, through letters from the developer. Those updates noted housing plans could be finalized in spring 2024, while public access to the land will be blocked off by the end of November and “tree cutting and removal will begin shortly.”

The timeline raised a sense of urgency.

“To lose such a treasure and everything that goes with a functional forest would just be such a loss to the neighbourhood,” said Tole.

Lemay Forest plays home to an “amazing” variety of wildlife, while the trees also absorb water, create oxygen and provide shade, he added.

Dana Derkson, president of the St. Norbert Community Centre, said she fears a new development on the property could exceed the area’s sewer capacity and tax other infrastructure.

“The fallout of over-developing (St. Norbert would) change the entire face of this community and nobody here wants to see that happen… Our water and waste systems are already at capacity,” said Derkson.

The land was purchased years ago, with the goal to create new homes, Wintrup said, adding engineering solutions would ensure adding density doesn’t exceed infrastructure limits.

However, options to sell it can’t be considered indefinitely. “A private entity… is not going to keep the financial burden of having a publicly accessible, privately owned forest.”

Wintrup said there are no immediate plans to cut down the trees, except those the city has marked for removal due to Dutch elm disease and any that might need to be cleared to secure the site.

The company will allow an Indigenous group to continue to access the land for a ceremonial fire, he noted.

The potential development would create much-needed “inclusionary housing,” such as accessible, affordable and assisted living units, along with publicly accessible treed areas and some “Indigenous spaces,” Wintrup said.

“There is a need for housing in Winnipeg. There’s a need for housing in St. Norbert for seniors, etc. It’s either going to be accommodated in Winnipeg or people are going to have to leave and go somewhere else.”

Wintrup declined to specify how many new housing units might be proposed, stating the number still awaits feedback from the city.

Coun. Markus Chambers (St. Norbert) said he plans to raise a motion at the Riel Community Committee meeting Nov. 16 to explore whether the city can enter a partnership to buy the land and preserve the forest.

“Conceptually, I like the development because it addresses a shortage… But (it’s) in the wrong location,” Chambers said Monday.

“What I request is the public service work with other levels of government, including the provincial and federal governments and Manitoba Métis Federation, to see if we can purchase (all 22 acres for) park land.”

Meantime, the city isn’t considering a building application for the project at this point. If one is proposed in the future, Chambers stressed he would keep an open mind in about it.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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