Manitoba Government to Expropriate Lemay Forest for New Provincial Park, Premier Announces
In a landmark move aimed at expanding environmental conservation and public recreation spaces, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has announced plans to expropriate Lemay Forest and designate it as a provincial park. The decision comes after months of advocacy from environmental groups and growing public support for preserving the ecologically sensitive area located just outside Winnipeg.
Premier Kinew stated that the government will take legal steps to acquire the land through expropriation if negotiations with current landowners do not result in a voluntary agreement. The goal, according to the premier, is to protect the forest’s biodiversity and ensure it remains accessible to all Manitobans for generations to come.
“Lemay Forest is a rare ecological treasure. It’s time we protected it properly—not just for today, but for our children and grandchildren,” said Kinew during a press briefing. He emphasized that turning the area into a provincial park will provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor education, all while preserving the natural landscape from future development.
The Lemay Forest, known for its mix of mature woodlands, wetlands, and native species, has faced pressure from potential private development. Environmentalists and local residents have been campaigning for its protection, citing the need for more urban green spaces and safeguards against habitat loss.
With this announcement, the province is expected to begin the process of conducting environmental assessments, finalizing park boundaries, and planning necessary infrastructure such as trails and visitor access points. The premier noted that public consultation will be part of the park’s development process to ensure community voices are heard.
Opponents of the move, including some private stakeholders, have raised concerns about the fairness of expropriation. However, government officials maintain that the broader public interest outweighs individual property claims in this case.
The transformation of Lemay Forest into a provincial park represents a major step in Manitoba’s broader climate and conservation agenda. It aligns with the province’s goals of increasing protected land coverage and combating biodiversity loss amid rising environmental concerns.
The timeline for the park’s official designation has not been confirmed, but provincial representatives say work will begin immediately to transition the area under public stewardship.
Source : Swifteradio.com
