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Winnipeg Free Press Oct 01 2005
LETTER OF THE DAY
The City of Winnipeg is at a crossroads when
it comes to its parks and the maintenance of them.
Like every city in North America, our citizens
expect parks as part of their municipal infrastructure, which
add to our quality of life. Parks are important because they are
available to all citizens, regardless of income level. For those
of us not able to flee to the cottage, parks make summers much
more pleasurable.
Winnipeg must provide parks, but as citizens we should consider
the following; do our parks need to cost so much? Perhaps our
city Parks Department is being drained of resources by too many
high-maintenance parks referred to as greenspaces. Why not more
natural spaces?
Natural spaces need to be left alone whereas greenspaces require
regular maintenance and precious resources. Greenspaces (think
manicured lawns) although green, cost much more and are no longer
habitat. Save Our Seine is pursuing the decrease of mowed areas
along the river and replacing them with trees and shrubs. These
natural spaces offer habitat to hundreds of species of plants
and animals -- a natural zoo.
The 27-kilometre Seine River Greenway is currently about 330
acres and increasing by several acres every year. In comparison
Assiniboine Park is 390 acres. The Seine boasts Winnipeg's largest
forest along any river and has more than 20 parks. It is an attractive
habitat to 150 bird species, 30 mammal species, 32 fish species
and three reptile species. For our species, it also offers many
kilometres of beautiful trails and wildlife viewing. Paddling
the 26-kilometre, urban Seine River will take you a full day,
but many enjoy shorter trips. It's sheltered, scenic, shallow
and safer with no power boats or waves. The meandering river offers
a new vista around every bend and a different trip in the morning,
afternoon or evening, spring, summer or fall.
Forget the drive to the Whiteshell. Take transit, your bike or
canoe and spend the weekend in Winnipeg, and discover what an
urban park should be!
Co-ordinator
Save Our Seine River Environment Inc.
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