Councillor optimistic part of forest along Seine will survive after sale

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This article was published 26/03/2025 (193 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A 20-acre forest advocates have lobbied to preserve for at least 14 years has been sold to a developer.

But as fights over the future of other local urban forests rage on, a city councillor expects the purchase of Sumka Forest will help preserve its trees.

Qualico recently bought a 62.5-acre property at 36 and 88 Sumka Rd., which contains the forest, along with ample farm space.

The property had been listed for sale for several years, so it’s a relief to see ownership finally settled, said Coun. Brian Mayes.

While the city doesn’t have a bylaw to protect its forests and there’s no legally binding requirement for a developer to do so, Mayes (St. Vital) said he expects a “good faith” effort to leave at least part of the forest standing.

“I’ve talked to them enough, I know they want to save the forest. Exactly how much, how this is going to play out, I don’t know, but I choose optimism,” he said.

He said the developer will be required to provide the city some portion of the wooded lot located along the Seine River.

“There are rules about dedicating land near the river…. I think something can be worked out here,” said Mayes.

Since at least 2011, advocates have lobbied multiple governments to buy the privately owned land and preserve it, which is located south of the Perimeter Highway just east of St. Anne’s Road, still within city limits, he noted.

Mayes said Qualico owns a lot of land in the area and will be required to set aside green space to develop it, so it would make sense to preserve the forest.

Eventually, he suggested that could include trails and, possibly, connect to nearby Vermette Park.

“I would have preferred to be announcing that the city had purchased it … in 2016 or 2017 or 2018, but I am relieved that somebody I have some faith in has bought it and, so, I don’t think we’re going to have a replay here of some other controversies,” said Mayes.

The sale comes more than a year after a battle began over Lemay Forest, which has sparked petitions, demonstrations and court battles.

Tochal Development Group began cutting down trees at the privately owned urban property in St. Norbert last year, while seeking city approval to build a 5,000-bed assisted-living facility it argues would provide desperately needed housing.

Many residents are fighting to preserve that forest as an important habitat, cultural site and former cemetery.

The advocacy group Save Our Seine has long lobbied to protect Sumka Forest, declaring it a rare, high-quality space along the Seine River corridor.

“It’s important that we’re preserving as much green space as possible in Winnipeg…. Green space is important for climate (control), biodiversity and for people to enjoy,” said Laurie Ringaert, the organization’s president.

“It’s a place where there’s important Grade-A forest trees…. It can hopefully be a place for trails.”

Ringaert said Qualico reached out to set up a meeting with Save Our Seine but the group hasn’t learned much about future development options yet.

“I’m always optimistic that there’s opportunities to work together and try to find a common path forward,” she said.

Winnipeg lacks sufficient green space, which makes preserving existing forests and parks critical to ensure residents can access them, she said.

Bryan Ward, vice-president of community development for Qualico in Manitoba, confirmed his company bought the land.

Ward cautioned extensive city planning must take place for the larger area south of the Perimeter before a detailed plan to develop it is possible.

“There’s years of planning work ahead of anything happening,” he said.

Qualico has worked to preserve green space in other communities, he noted.

“In other neighbourhoods, we have good examples of higher-value forests being (preserved) in development plans or being included in dedication for city parks,” said Ward.

He said “a mix of housing opportunities” is expected within and beyond the broader Sumka property, though details are also still being worked out for that effort.

Ward declined to state how much the company paid for the land.

When city council considered a motion to buy the Sumka property in 2019, which it did not wind up approving, it was listed for sale at $3.65 million.

Mayes expects development around the forest will take years to plan but said he’s hopeful future generations will get the chance to experience the forest.

“I don’t think I’ll be in office when this becomes a park, but I do think I’ll have the chance one day to walk in the trees and not see them mowed down. This will take a while… (but) I think this will be OK,” he said.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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