Assiniboine Forest proposal worthy of support

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This article was published 01/04/2021 (1933 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For decades, the Assiniboine Forest has helped members of our community connect with nature without needing to drive outside the city. In fact, at 700 acres, it’s the largest urban natural forest in Canada.

The Assiniboine Forest is a jewel of our community, drawing people from around the province. More people use the forest now more than ever due to the pandemic for a safe way to remain active, while enjoying the natural beauty of the forest. There are a series of six paved and unpaved trails established within its southern portion for a total of 18 kilometres of maintained trails. Some of the trails are paved with crushed limestone, others with asphalt or wood chips, and are used heavily year-round by pedestrians and cyclists. The trails make the forest easy to navigate, fascinating to study and a delightful place to get some exercise or connect with nature.

Thirty years ago, the Winnipeg-Charleswood Rotary Club reached an initial accord with the City of Winnipeg, whereby it would assist the City of Winnipeg naturalists’ office with maintenance of the forest. Since reaching this accord, the Winnipeg-Charleswood Rotary Club has been responsible for the creation and management of the existing trail network, along with upgrades to the forest. It has done a fantastic job, but it now needs some support to continue the work they are doing.

Recently, the Winnipeg-Charleswood Rotary Club applied to the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) for funding for improvements including improved trail access for those with disabilities, safe dual active transportation trails, improved signage, and additional parking. These initiatives are based upon a study done by the Rotary Club which included community surveys, consultations with staff and students of nearby universities and the City of Winnipeg naturalists’ office.

I have written to the federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Catherine McKenna, to voice my strong support for the Rotary Club’s funding application. These proposed improvements are much needed to ensure the Assiniboine Forest is maintained for generations to come and continue serving our community as one of the largest urban nature parks of its kind in Canada.

The Assiniboine Forest is an important part of our community, and I’ll continue doing what I can to support the Winnipeg-Charleswood Rotary Club’s excellent work not only maintaining the forest, but by making it more accessible so that more people from here and abroad can enjoy all it has to offer.

Marty Morantz
Charleswood - St. James - Assiniboia - Headingley MP constituency report

Marty Morantz was the Conservative MP for Charleswood - St. James - Assiniboia - Headingley from 2019 to 2025.

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