Why I’m Fighting for a Stronger, Greener Winnipeg
Over the years, I’ve heard one message repeatedly from residents across our city, Winnipeg must stop losing the very greenspaces, trees, and natural corridors that make our neighbourhoods livable. These spaces are more than scenery. They are our shade on a hot day, our protection during floods, our lungs in a growing city, and our gathering places for families.
And yet, for too long, Winnipeg has struggled to protect these irreplaceable natural assets.
This is why, at the November 27th Council meeting, I brought forward two significant motions. Motions that work hand-in-hand to protect our canopy, restore our natural corridors, and finally give the City of Winnipeg the tools and accountability mechanisms needed to stop the decline of our greenspaces.
Both motions reflect years of advocacy, grassroots pressure, and community passion. And they reflect my commitment to ensuring that environmental stewardship isn’t just talked about at City Hall, it’s acted on.
Defending Trees at Risk… Kenaston Widening & Chief Peguis Trail Extension
Let’s be honest, any proposed widening of Kenaston Boulevard or extension of Chief Peguis Trail would result in the loss of hundreds of mature, healthy trees. These are decades-old canopy giants that provide cooling, shelter, biodiversity, stormwater management, carbon capture, and beauty. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
That’s why I pushed forward a motion requiring the city to…
Fully account for every single tree that could be lost, public and private
This includes valuation by size, species, age, and ecological value.
Budget for real replacement, not symbolic replacement
A one-for-one tree replacement strategy must be funded. And if trees can’t be replanted directly along Kenaston or Chief Peguis, they must be planted in other Winnipeg neighbourhoods so that we do not experience any net canopy loss.
Build these costs into the actual project budget
Environmental protection cannot be an afterthought. These replacement costs must be part of the project’s financial planning from day one.
Winnipeg cannot keep approving road expansions without acknowledging and paying for the ecological cost. Losing canopy is losing climate resilience. Losing biodiversity. Losing shade for our elders. Losing natural beauty for our kids.
This motion ensures that the public finally gets a transparent accounting of what is at stake and what must be protected.
A Citywide Strategy: Greenspace Investment, Protection & Restoration
At the same Council meeting, I also introduced a citywide greenspace motion — because protecting trees is not enough. Winnipeg needs a clear, enforceable, long-term plan that ensures every neighbourhood has access to greenspace and natural corridors.
The Greenspace and Natural Corridors Master Plan is underway, but plans mean nothing without funding, enforcement, accountability, and clear targets. That is what this motion delivers.
This motion calls for…
A new Greenspace Investment Fund
A dedicated capital reserve to purchase land, restore natural corridors, and manage greenspace long-term.
And the funding must start with the very next four-year budget cycle.
Neighbourhood-level targets, not vague citywide averages
This includes canopy cover by ward, greenspace access within 400m of homes, and hectares of restored natural corridors. Real data. Real goals.
A prioritized 5-year neighbourhood investment map using equity metrics
This ensures greenspace investments go first to neighbourhoods that need them most, including underserved, lower-income, and climate-vulnerable communities.
A cross-departmental Greenspace Working Group
Every department that touches land, trees, permits, or development must be at the table. Public Works, Planning, Water & Waste, Legal and Finance all working together instead of in silos.
A new Greenspace Master Plan By-law
This is critical. It will include:
- Developer contribution timelines
- Tree retention requirements
- Penalties and offset rules
- Clear enforcement mechanisms
Winnipeg has talked about protecting greenspace for too long. This motion forces the city to walk the talk.
Together, These Motions Represent the Strongest Environmental Push Winnipeg Has Seen in Years
Both motions reinforce each other…
- One protects the trees and greenspace we have today.
2.) The other builds a system to protect and expand greenspace for decades to come.
This is exactly the kind of long-term thinking Winnipeg needs and exactly why I continue to bring these motions forward, year after year.
I’ve always believed that greenspace is not a luxury. It is a necessity for public health, for climate resilience, and for the livability of every single neighbourhood.
These motions move Winnipeg closer to a city that values its natural spaces as much as its roads and buildings. A city that plans for the future instead of reacting too late. A city where environmental stewardship is embedded in every decision we make.
I Will Keep Fighting for the Protection and Expansion of Our Urban Forest
Our trees, our natural corridors, and our greenspace are part of Winnipeg’s identity. They deserve to be safeguarded not sacrificed.
I am committed to ensuring these motions are implemented, fully funded, and strengthened as needed. And I will continue working alongside residents, community groups, and environmental advocates who want a greener, healthier, more resilient Winnipeg.
Because when we protect our greenspaces, we protect our future.
