KLEIN: Lemay Forest should be preserved or developed, but not left in limbo

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The Lemay Forest property has become a flashpoint for environmental stewardship and urban development in Winnipeg. As someone who has long championed the expansion of green spaces and sustainable growth, I feel compelled to weigh in on this critical issue based on my personal experience with the issue.

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During my tenure as Manitoba’s Minister of Environment and Climate, I became acutely aware of the potential development of the Lemay Forest lands. A resident of St. Norbert first brought this issue to my attention, prompting me to contact Stephen Carlyle, the President and CEO of the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC). Stephen and I shared a common vision: to preserve and expand Winnipeg’s parks and green spaces by 1,000 acres — a goal I championed through a motion at City Council that passed unanimously.

Recognizing the ecological importance of this land, I was proud to work with our government to provide MHHC with a $1.5 million grant to facilitate the purchase of a portion of said lands. However, despite our best efforts at the time, the sale did not materialize. The reasons were multifaceted, as I recall, the City of Winnipeg did not want to provide any funds towards the purchase or have to be responsible for caring for the area.

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Fast forward to today, and I’m glad to see that the NDP government has extended the funding for one more year, ensuring that the $1.5 million grant remains available for this specific purchase. Credit where it is due — this extension reflects a bipartisan recognition of the property’s value to Winnipeg’s green infrastructure. Stephen Carlyle’s recent comments offer further optimism, as he confirmed that federal funding to support this initiative “looks favourable,” though the potential for an election could complicate the process.

Carlyle’s confidence is reassuring. “If the landowner wants to sell,” he told me, “I feel comfortable that this will go through.” The MHHC board must approve any final purchase offer, a routine procedure for organizations operating under board governance. While various media outlets have speculated on the purchase price — ranging from $5.1 million to $5.9 million — Carlyle declined to confirm these figures. A source close to the landowner suggested the offer was $5.2 Million. Only the buyer and seller know for sure.

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Despite this promising progress, a key stakeholder remains conspicuously absent: the City of Winnipeg. Mayor Gillingham’s silence on the issue is deafening. If the City of Winnipeg intends to restrict the landowner’s ability to develop their private property, it bears a financial responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the acquisition of this land.

The city has mechanisms at its disposal, such as its land development reserve fund, which could be tapped to support MHHC in purchasing the property. This is not an unreasonable ask. The city council already supported my motion to increase green spaces by 1,000 acres back in the day, and Lemay Forest offers a prime opportunity to make good on that commitment. Yet, there’s been little indication that the city is willing to step up. Instead, it risks relegating itself to a bystander role while the provincial and federal governments shoulder the financial burden of preserving this ecological area. But then one must question who will take care of the area.

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This inaction raises a troubling question: If the city is not prepared to allow development on this privately owned land, what alternatives is it offering? Practical solutions and tangible commitments must back moral appeals to environmental preservation. Otherwise, it’s simply an abdication of responsibility.

Lemay Forest is more than just a tract of land, it symbolizes what Winnipeg can achieve when all levels of government work collaboratively to balance private property rights with the public good. Preserving this land would provide ecological benefits, enhance recreational opportunities, and support biodiversity, all of which contribute to the health and vibrancy of our community.

But time is of the essence. If the city does not act decisively, it risks undermining the existing collaborative efforts. The provincial government has extended its funding, and federal support is likely pending political developments. The missing piece of the puzzle is municipal leadership. Mayor Gillingham and the city council must show the same commitment they displayed when voting to expand Winnipeg’s green spaces. They must engage with MHHC, contribute funds, and leverage every available resource to secure this property or let the landowner build what he wants.

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The stakes are clear. Housing pressures will only increase, and once green spaces are lost to urban sprawl, they are nearly impossible to reclaim. Lemay Forest represents a rare opportunity to protect a natural asset while honouring commitments to expand Winnipeg’s green infrastructure. But remember, the landowner offered to keep approximately 30% of the area as green space.

Mayor Gillingham and the City of Winnipeg need to take decisive action — either by matching the commitments made by other levels of government or by being transparent and approving the building application. Perhaps a balanced solution could be achieved, combining green space with the desperately needed housing our community requires. One thing is clear: this opportunity will be lost if our city’s leaders choose to ignore it.

— Kevin Klein is a former Tory cabinet minister, a former city councillor and President & CEO of Klein Group Ltd.

Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca

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