What if Winnipeg gave itself a 2025 Xmas gift that even future generations remembered? What if we looked past failures such as the long promised, never delivered Seine River Greenway Plan? What if we ignored the inexplicably delayed St. Vital Perimeter South sector plan? What if we ignored the glacial progress made in creating Creek Bend Park in Dakota Crossing? What if we recognized the fact that Qualico does not own all of the land between Warde Avenue and Creek Bend Road, and that they can’t deliver a linear AT pathway connecting same in their forthcoming DASZ allocation next spring? What if we recognized the fact that it will be over a decade before Qualico’s Sumka Lands in Vermette are developed and its park lands are dedicated to the City?
What if the City simply committed to “eventually” plan for the Seine River Greenway between the southern boundary of the Bois-des-esprits forest, Warde Avenue, and the provincial Duff Roblin Parkway Trail on the Floodway banks? Until that time the City could commit to simply doing no harm. It could follow guidelines that simply allow for the introduction of new public greenspace lands as they are obtained though purchase or, more likely, through land dedication.
All new subdivisions on the riverbanks in the southern reaches of the Seine River should accommodate a right-of-way for a Seine River Active Transportation corridor. Efforts must be made to preserve historic tree stands whenever possible. The City must establish funding mechanisms to accomplish that aim.
The City should obtain easements from private landowners for trail creation linkages, as already done with a school and temple in Dakota Crossing.
The City should create memorandums of understanding with the Province of Manitoba to recognize provincial ownership of certain lands, and the Province’s need to service and improve their infrastructure, but to allow the City to manage these lands for public purposes such as recreation during quiet periods.
That First Nations and Metis people be officially brought into the park planning process.
That the City inventory its subject lands and look for opportunities to plant trees and undergrowth to fulfill current City commitments.
That the City commit to the removal of all invasive plants on their lands along the Seine River.
That the City enter into discussions with the CPKC Railway to legally open at-grade crossings at Demetrioff Drive, future Warde Avenue, Creek Bend Road and the Sumka Lands to allow for public AT access from the east side of the tracks to the Seine River Greenway and its trail system.
That measures be taken at the future Warde Avenue Bridge, Creek Bend Road, the future Perimeter Highway/CPKC overpass and Prairie Grove Road to reduce vehicle/deer collisions, including adequate fencing and constructed wildlife crossings.
That the currently roughed-in paddling launch site at the Aimes Road bridge be improved for the use of paddlers of all abilities.
That the existing Vermette City Park on St. Anne’s Road be given interim improvements.
That the City and the Province plan and construct an AT node at St. Anne’s Road and the Duff Roblin Parkway Trail for safe and accessible access from St. Anne’s Road.
That is just my wish list. Save Our Seine and others will have other ideas. Other ideas that are perhaps even shovel ready and able to provide jobs, increase public safety, provide recreational opportunities, preserve historic sites and cultures, and protect nature. These are all the concerns of the political realm. For this we will need political will, not just platitudes.