Shaping the future of Lemay Forest together

Seine River

On March 19, I had the pleasure of attending the open house on the future of Lemay Forest at St. Norbert Community Centre.

I truly enjoyed speaking with my constituents and hearing more about their stories and their connection to Lemay Forest. I had the chance to connect with many folks I have come to know well over the years, and it meant a great deal to be able to have those conversations about just how important this forest is to our community.

I was also very happy to see how many people came out to share their thoughts and provide input on what they would like to see for the future of Lemay Forest. It was clear they care deeply about this space. Many shared their perspectives, and because of that, I know our NDP government now has a better understanding of how we can shape Lemay into a provincial park that reflects the needs of our community.

Throughout the open house, it was wonderful to hear folks discuss the historical, cultural, and ecological importance of Lemay Forest. Residents spoke about what makes this space special, and it was so encouraging to see such thoughtful and meaningful engagement.

I was especially glad to see so many take the time to share what they want the park to look like in the future. Some spoke of the importance of keeping the space as natural as possible, while others shared ideas about adding amenities that would allow more people to enjoy the forest.

The interactive displays were also a great way for people to participate. Community members placed dots to share their input on what they currently use the forest for, what they would like it to be used for in the future, what kind of park they envision, and what value Lemay Forest holds for them.

I would like to thank Manitoba Parks for their work in organizing this open house and creating space for these important conversations. I also want to sincerely thank everyone who attended. It was great to see so many of you and to hear your thoughts and concerns.

As we move forward, this feedback will play an important role in shaping the future of Lemay Forest. As your MLA for Seine River, I look forward to continuing this work together and to seeing a vision for Lemay Forest that reflects the voices of St. Norbert.

As always, I want to hear from you. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact my office by calling 204-221-7576 or by emailing billie.cross@yourmanitoba.ca.