In praise of Save Our Seine

St. Vital

The Seine River is a winding tributary of the Red River, and I was surprised to learn that it is Winnipeg’s second-longest river, flowing for just over 26 kilometres within city limits (its full length is approximately 150 kilometres).

I have personally enjoyed the benefits of the Seine, as I live nearby and many people have told me their stories of how special the area is and has been – now and in the past. Just the other day we saw a beaver leisurely playing in the river.

My friend, Bill Nash, told me his cherished childhood memory of the Seine. Close to 70 years ago, when St. Anne’s Road was not much more than a dike, Bill’s family would take horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter on the Seine, to and from what is now Niakwa Country Club. There was very little housing between St. Anne’s and the river back then. The memories are special to him, and just one reason why saving and maintaining the Seine River has been and is a valued project.

In the 1980s, the river was in trouble. Imagine a garbage dump with a river running through it. People used the area to dispose of anything they did not want. The river ran dry some years. Forgotten was its importance to Manitoba’s history. Louis Riel and his family lived along the Seine River. Something needed to be done.

What began as a few neighbours cleaning the river near their homes has evolved into a grassroots environmental stewardship organization that is proud to be marking 35 years of service with a well-established reputation, both locally and provincially. The success of the Save Our Seine project has been remarkable. The Seine River is once again a force of nature and a treasure in our city. It’s a beautiful place I have walked alongside and even walked on the river with my dog in the winter.

Save Our Seine River Environment fully intends to make sure the river remains protected. It recently announced a $35,000 grant from the City of Winnipeg, awarded jointly by Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital), Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface), and Coun. Markus Chambers (St. Norbert–Seine River). It is a clear vote of confidence in community-based stewardship, environmental restoration, and the volunteers, students and families who care deeply about the Seine River.

SOS has held a few events already this year, including birding workshops, and more is planned, including:

• Save Our Seine River Keepers supporting Paddle Manitoba’s Rendez-vous Rivyayr Seine on May 30;

• A family-focused introductory fishing workshop on July 11. It is designed to help families and youth catch their first fish in a supportive setting, while also learning about fish ecology and freshwater health in the Seine River;

• Land-care volunteer sessions.

Check out www.saveourseine.com for more information.