|
Save
Our
Seine
River
Environment
Inc.
(SOS)
has
been
in
existence
from
1990.
It
is
appropriate
at
this
time
in
its
history
for
SOS
to
reflect
on
its
past
activities
and
reconsider
its
overall
direction
for
the
future.
The
following
is
the
resultant
position
statement
for
SOS
at
the
beginning
of
the
new
millennium.
The
position
statement
will
cover
the
following
key
areas:
The
Goals
of
the
SOS
The
Role
of
the
SOS
A
Vision
and
Plan
for
the
Seine
River
THE
GOALS
OF
SOS
Preserve,
protect
and
enhance
the
natural
environment
&
heritage
resource
of
the
Seine
River
Restore
&
repair
features
of
the
environment
that
have
been
degraded
Improve
water
level,
flow
&
quality
Raise
the
public's
awareness
of
all
aspects
of
the
Seine
River
Improve
the
environmental
behavior
of
private
industry,
governments
and
the
general
public.
Improve
appropriate
public
access
along
the
Seine
River
(by
low-impact
nature
trail
&
by
canoe)
Top
THE
ROLE
OF
SOS
To
monitor
the
Seine
River
environment
To
act
as
a
critic/advocate
To
be
an
instigator
of
projects
(initiate
projects
to
be
carried
out
by
others)
To
be
a
proponent
of
projects
(initiate
projects
to
be
carried
out
by
SOS)
To
act
as
an
'expert
resource'
To
carry
out
and
promote
ongoing
public
education
Top
A
VISION
AND
PLAN
FOR
THE
SEINE
RIVER
The
plan
is
composed
of
a
number
of
components.
An
outline
of
the
components
is
as
follows:
Establishment
of
a
protected
natural
corridor
Restoration
of
the
river
Restoration
of
the
riparian
environment
Establishment
of
a
seine
river
development
authority
Completion
of
an
urban
nature
trail
and
canoe
route,
the
length
of
the
seine
Establishment
of
a
public
education
component
Top
The
goals
of
SOS
are
the
following:
1.
Preserve,
protect
and
enhance
the
natural
environment
&
heritage
resource
of
the
Seine
River
This
is
the
over-riding
goal
of
the
Save
Our
Seine,
River
Environment
Inc.
(SOS).
All
other
goals
are
intended
to
support
and
reinforce
this
intent.
The
Seine
River
is
an
inherited
treasure,
a
corridor
of
the
natural
environment
that
extends
through
the
prairie
farmlands
and
into
the
heart
of
the
city.
The
environment
also
has
a
rich
historic
past
that
was
associated
with
many
of
the
events
and
people
that
shaped
the
development
of
Western
Canada
(J-B.
Lagimodière,
Marie-Anne
Gaboury,
Lord
Selkirk,
the
Des
Meurons
regiment,
Louis
Riel,
the
landing
of
the
Countess
of
Dufferin
etc.).
It
is,
however,
a
natural
resource
that
has
been
damaged
and
is
in
grave
danger
of
being
destroyed
by
numerous
forces.
A
number
of
individuals
recognized
this,
and
established
SOS
to
help
to
achieve
the
goal
of
preserving,
protecting
and
enhancing
the
Seine
River
environment,
for
today
and
for
future
generations.
Goals
2.
Restore
&
repair
features
of
the
environment
that
have
been
degraded
Much
damage
has
been
done
to
the
Seine
River
and
its
riparian
environment,
by
dumping,
pollution,
inappropriate
development
and
bank
stabilization
as
well
as
construction
activities.
One
of
the
key
goals
of
SOS
is
to
bring
about
the
reversal
of
this
damage
and
restore
the
river
to
a
more
pristine
state.
Goals
3.
Improve
water
level,
flow
&
quality
The
health
of
the
river
itself
is
at
the
heart
of
our
concerns.
At
present
the
health
of
the
river
is
not
as
robust
as
it
was
in
its
original
state.
There
is
the
ever-present
danger
that
it
could
deteriorate
even
further.
One
of
the
key
goals
of
SOS
is
therefore
to
constantly
strive
to
ensure
the
improvement
of
the
river's
water
level,
flow
&
quality
to
a
condition
as
close
as
possible
to
its
original
natural
state.
Goals
4.
Raise
the
public's
awareness
of
all
aspects
of
the
Seine
River
The
Seine
River
is
one
of
the
natural
treasures
of
southern
Manitoba
and
the
city
of
Winnipeg.
However,
the
majority
of
the
public
is
largely
unaware
of
it.
One
of
the
goals
of
SOS
is
to
educate
the
public
about
all
aspects
of
the
Seine
River
and
its
surrounding
natural
environment
and
history.
Goals
5.
Improve
the
environmental
behavior
of
private
industry,
governments
and
the
general
public.
One
of
the
reasons
for
public
education
about
the
river
is
to
make
everyone
aware
that
their
actions
can
protect
the
natural
environment
or
play
a
part
in
destroying
it.
Some
actions
are
willful
destruction
(garbage
dumping,
vandalism,
etc.).
However,
much
of
the
pollution,
and
degradation
of
the
environment
is
carried
out
unintentionally
as
a
result
of
well-meaning
activities.
(watering
the
golf
courses,
land
drainage,
flood
prevention,
bank
stabilization,
urban
development,
etc.)
These
activities
could
eventually
destroy
the
Seine
River
unless
there
is
an
understanding
of
the
effects
on
the
river
and
a
willingness
to
act
on
that
understanding.
One
of
the
goals
of
SOS
is
therefore
to
improve
the
environmental
behavior
of
all
segments
of
society;
private
industry,
governments
and
the
general
public.
Goals
6.
Improve
appropriate
public
access
along
the
Seine
River
(by
low-impact
nature
trail
&
by
canoe)
One
of
the
best
ways
to
educate
the
public
about
the
Seine
River
is
to
allow
them
to
experience
it
for
themselves.
Much
of
it
is
hidden
from
view
and
accessible
only
to
adjacent
land
owners.
In
some
locations
it
is
a
blessing
in
disguise
that
the
river
is
hidden
through
much
of
its
course
through
the
city.
This
has
had
the
effect
of
protecting
parts
of
it
from
the
ravages
of
urbanization.
However,
SOS
believes
that
everyone
has
a
right
to
enjoy
this
resource
in
appropriate
ways
that
are
non-destructive
to
the
environment.
Trips
down
the
river
by
canoe
or
low-impact
nature
trails
are
appropriate
access
venues.
This
should
be
a
right
of
all
citizens
regardless
of
ability.
Therefore,
handicap
access
is
part
of
this
goal,
where
feasible.
While
land
ownership
is
a
right
and
a
privilege,
adjacent
land-owners
should
not
prevent
others
from
enjoying
the
river
by
low-impact
nature
trail
on
public
property
or
by
canoe
on
the
river
itself.
One
of
the
goals
of
SOS
is
therefore
to
achieve
appropriate
access
to
the
Seine
River
by
all
members
of
the
public.
Goals
 |
SOS
is
a
community
based,
non-profit
organization
that
exists
to
help
to
preserve,
protect
and
enhance
the
natural
Seine
River
Environment.
We
will
work
with
government,
industry
and
private
individuals
to
help
achieve
these
ends,
but
we
believe
that
the
primary
responsibility
for
preserving
protecting
and
enhancing
the
Seine
River
must
belong
to
the
government
(all
three
levels)
on
behalf
of
the
people
of
Manitoba.
As
part
of
this
overall
role,
SOS
has
numerous
specific
roles
including
the
following:
1.
To
monitor
the
Seine
River
environment
Based
on
our
ongoing
work
with
the
Seine
River
and
its
adjacent
environment,
we
are
in
a
position
to
observe
the
environment
and
changes
that
may
occur
within
it.
We
observe
water
levels,
water
flow
and
quality,
as
well
as
noting
events
and
proposals
that
may
affect
the
overall
environment
along
the
Seine
River.
(We
have
also
assisted
the
Province
in
their
more
detailed
scientific
study
of
water
quality).
Although
our
focus
is
within
the
City
of
Winnipeg,
we
also
monitor
events
and
proposals
outside
the
City
that
could
have
an
impact
on
the
River
environment.
Role
2.
To
act
as
critic/advocate
Based
on
the
information
gained
from
ongoing
monitoring,
we
see
it
as
our
duty
to
critically
assess
the
impact
of
any
events
or
proposals
that
may
affect
the
river
and
its
adjacent
environment.
We
would
then
provide
our
opinion
and
input
to
support
those
proposals
that
are
beneficial
to
the
natural
environment
of
the
Seine.
We
would
also
act
as
a
resource
to
assist
in
modifying
those
proposals
deemed
inappropriate
or
harmful
to
the
Seine
River
environment.
Role
3.
To
be
an
instigator
of
projects
-
(initiate
projects
to
be
carried
out
by
others)
As
an
extension
of
our
role
as
critic/advocate,
SOS
will,
as
the
need
arises,
alert
governments
and/or
the
public
concerning
actions
that
should
be
taken
to
preserve,
protect
and
enhance
the
natural
Seine
River
Environment.
e.g.
SOS
alerted
the
Provincial
government
concerning
the
seriousness
of
the
damage
to
the
Seine
River
siphon
under
the
floodway.
This
helped
to
instigate
the
project
to
repair
the
siphon.
Role
4.
To
be
a
proponent
of
projects
-
(initiate
projects
to
be
carried
out
by
SOS)
In
some
cases
where
it
is
appropriate,
the
role
of
SOS
is
to
carry
out
its
own
projects
to
further
our
goals
e.g.
the
Riffles
project,
the
Provencher-Marion
Trail
project,
the
Annual
Greenings
Annual
Cleanings,
The
Interpretive
Canoe
Guide
&
other
projects,
etc.
Role
5.
To
act
as
an
'expert
resource'
Based
on
our
ten
years
of
work,
SOS
has
amassed
a
body
of
knowledge
and
experience
concerning
the
Seine
River
that
is
unequaled
in
the
Province.
Part
of
our
role
therefore,
is
to
share
that
knowledge
and
experience
with
others
as
required.
e.g.
SOS
was
an
advisory
group
with
the
City's
Seine
River
Task.
Role
6.
To
carry
out
and
promote
ongoing
public
education
The
Seine
River
is
a
resource
that
belongs
to
all
Manitobans.
To
differing
degrees
we
are
all
stewards
of
the
Seine.
Therefore
we
see
it
as
our
role
to
make
the
public
aware
of
the
Seine
River,
its
value,
its
history,
its
fragility
and
the
responsibility
of
all
of
us
to
take
care
of
this
precious
resource.
Role
To
achieve
our
stated
goals,
SOS
has
developed
an
overall
vision
and
plan
for
the
Seine
River
Corridor.
It
is
not
a
plan
for
major
developments
or
alterations
to
the
Corridor.
Rather
it
is
a
plan
to
preserve
and
protect
the
natural
environment,
restore
the
environment
where
it
has
been
degraded
and
assist
the
public
in
experiencing
the
Seine
River
in
as
pristine
a
state
as
possible.
This
plan
is
composed
of
the
following
parts:
1.
Establishment
of
a
natural
corridor
The
plan
envisions
the
establishment
of
a
natural
corridor,
protected
by
legislation,
from
the
mouth
of
the
Seine
through
the
City
and
to
the
headwaters
of
the
Seine.
While
the
need
may
always
exist
for
community
based
volunteer
activists,
the
intent
is
to
have
governments
assume
the
on-going
stewardship
of
this
public
resource.
Vision
2.
Restoration
of
the
river
The
primary
focus
of
the
plan
is
to
restore
the
river
itself
as
close
as
possible
to
its
natural
state.
The
plan
is
to
assist
in
restoring
water
levels
by
regaining
the
original
watershed
as
much
as
possible.
At
present
portions
of
the
river
can
dry
up
completely
(We
also
recognize
the
need
for
flood
protection
and
realize
that
this
will
change
the
natural
water
levels
during
times
of
flood).
The
plan
envisions
water
quality
being
continually
improved
to
allow
flora
and
fauna
to
flourish
in
their
natural
state.
SOS
supports
the
efforts
of
a
provincial
water
quality
monitoring
agency
dedicated
to
achieving
the
best
water
quality
levels
possible.
Water
flow
is
essential
to
the
health
of
any
river.
The
plan
envisions
an
increased
water
flow
to
clear
pollutants,
provide
oxygen
and
allow
a
seasonal
spring
freshet
to
rejuvenate
the
river's
health
as
it
has
done
from
time
immemorial.
Diversions
along
the
Seine
should
be
examined
with
a
view
to
increasing
water
flow.
Vision
3.
Restoration
of
the
riparian
environment
In
addition
to
the
river
itself
the
riparian
environment
is
essential
to
the
health
of
the
Seine
River
ecosystem.
The
plan
is
to
protect
the
environment
where
it
has
not
been
damaged
and
repair
those
areas
that
have
been
damaged.
In
addition
the
plan
is
to
prevent
further
damage
through
public
education,
enforcement
of
legislation
etc.
The
plan
is
to
have
all
man-made
debris
removed
from
the
corridor
through
community
based
and
government
assisted
cleanup
efforts,
and
to
restore
flora
and
fauna
that
have
been
negatively
affected
by
the
impact
of
development.
Vision
4.
Establishment
of
a
Seine
River
Development
Authority
The
previously
noted
components
of
the
plan
would
mean
little
if
inappropriate
urban
and
rural
development
encroached
on
the
corridor
to
the
extent
that
it
harmed
the
environment.
In
the
event
of
a
spring
flood,
irreparable
damage
would
be
done
to
the
environment
all
along
the
course
of
the
river.
Industrial,
commercial
and
residential
developments
in
the
city
have
a
similar
capacity
to
do
damage
if
not
controlled.
The
plan
is
to
see
an
organization
with
authority
to
review
developments
adjacent
to
the
Seine
and
recommend
changes
as
required
to
protect
the
river
environment.
An
essential
component
of
this
part
of
the
plan
is
a
comprehensive
set
of
planning
and
design
guidelines
for
proposed
developments
along
the
Seine
River
corridor.
These
guidelines
can
be
used
by
developers
in
planning
their
projects
so
that
the
projects
are
sympathetic
to
the
Seine
River
environment.
The
guidelines
can
also
be
used
by
SOS
and/or
the
Seine
River
Development
Authority
when
they
are
reviewing
proposed
projects.
Vision
5.
Completion
of
an
urban
nature
trail
and
canoe
route
the
length
of
the
seine
The
Seine
River
trail
and
canoe
route
is
a
method
that
allows
access
to
the
Seine
River
so
that
it
can
be
enjoyed
by
all.
A
complete
trail
system
is
envisioned
from
the
mouth
of
the
Red
River
to
the
floodway.
Sections
from
Provencher
Blvd.
to
Marion
Street
have
already
been
completed
and
demonstrate
the
value
of
the
concept.
The
trail
is
now
being
used
by
nature-lovers,
joggers,
cyclists
and
those
just
out
for
a
stroll.
It
is
already
thought
by
many
as
the
most
beautiful
trail
in
the
city
of
Winnipeg.
It
is
planned
as
a
low
impact
trail
that
disturbs
the
environment
as
little
as
possible.
It
has
a
gravel
surface
that
allows
for
the
natural
movement
of
the
riverbanks.
We
do
not
envision
asphalt
as
a
material.
Asphalt
carries
with
it
the
inherent
requirement
to
stabilize
the
banks
or
locate
the
path
away
from
the
river
to
keep
the
asphalt
from
cracking.
Any
trail
design
should
recognize
the
natural
meandering
of
the
prairie
riverbed
and
the
associated
movement
of
the
riverbank
slopes.
While
the
movements
are
slow,
some
maintenance
will
be
required.
This
maintenance
is
expected
to
be
minimal
due
to
the
flexible
nature
of
the
trail
construction.
The
river
is
already
a
canoe
route
of
unparalleled
beauty
within
the
city.
The
only
thing
needed
to
complete
it
is
the
removal
of
all
debris,
and
the
encouragement
of
higher
water
levels
as
previously
discussed.
Vision
6.
Establishment
of
a
public
education
component
The
public
education
component
of
the
plan
utilizes
a
variety
of
educational
tools.
The
use
of
interpretive
centres
could
be
an
appropriate
method
of
concentrating
interpretive
materials
and
displays
in
strategic
locations
on
the
site.
Interpretive
displays,
(plaques,
signage
etc.)
could
also
be
located
along
the
river
at
key
locations.
Some
of
these
displays
would
be
at
clearings
that
could
be
used
as
open
air
classroom
spaces
for
on-site
student
instruction.
Printed
materials
on
water
quality,
flora
and
fauna,
history
etc.
could
be
available
for
distribution
at
schools
and
for
the
general
public
at
tourism
information
centres
in
the
form
of
a
self-guiding
interpretive
trail
brochure.
The
brochure
will
be
made
available
inside
the
Robin's
Donuts
on
Provencher.
An
Illustrated
Canoe
Guide
to
Winnipeg's
Seine
River
is
also
part
of
the
plan,
to
be
used
as
an
informative
map
for
those
exploring
the
river
by
canoe.
We
are
particularly
fortunate
to
have
one
National
treasure,
artist
Réal
Bérard,
discover
another
-
Winnipeg's
Seine
River.
Other
public
education
vehicles
will
be
developed
as
the
need
arises.
Vision
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