Seine River Greenway: Vision & Action Plan Reach 1: Red River to

SEINE RIVER GREENWAY: VISION & ACTION PLAN

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April 2007

SEINE RIVER GREENWAY: VISION & ACTION PLANReach 1: Red River to Happyland Park

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Prepared by:

GPP Architecture

Guy Préfontaineproject director and designer

Kevin CloustonResearch and data analysis

Jason Ilagangraphics and layout

Prepared for:

A joint venture between the Save our Seine RiverEnvironment Inc. and the City of Winnipeg.Following are the consulting members for thisproject.

Save Our Seine River Environment Inc.

David Danyluk

Suzanne Gessler

Jules Legal

City of Winnipeg

Donna Beaton

Jason Bell

Rick Enns

Cheryl Heming

Ken McKim

Kevin Nixon


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AcknowledgementsSpecial thanks to:

The representatives from the various communitygroups interested in the preservation andrecreational use of the Seine River.

Community Members from the study area includingMaison Gabrielle-Roy, Entreprise Riel, L’Associationdes Résidents du Vieux St. Boniface, Société Franco-Manitobaine, Prairie Pathfinders, and Festival duVoyageur

Representatives of the community and landowners,whose properties afront the Seine River valley, thatattended meetings and provided us with theirvaluable comments and feedback.


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Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 2

Table of Contents 3

Introduction 4

Methodology 5

Goals, Objectives and Purpose 6

Geographic Location 7

Historic Over View 8

Existing Context 11Habitat restoration 12Trails 13Trail safety 14Vision and action plan; existing conditions 14aVision and action plan; points of interest 14b

Challenges to Greenway Habitat 15Beavers 15Dutch Elm Disease 16Invasive Species 16Development 17Riverbank Stabilization 17Water Management 18

Vision for Seine River Valley - Reach 1 19Focus Area 1 - Lagimodiére-Gaboury Park 20Focus Area 2 - Gabrielle Roy Park 21Focus Area 3 - Post Industrial 22Focus Area 4 - North Marion Street 23

Literature Review 24

Appendix A: Exit Survey Summary;Final Vision and Action Plan

Appendix B: Initial Summary Report

Appendix C: Exist Survey;Summary of Stakeholder Feedback

Appendix D: Exist Survey Collected Responses;Stakeholder Feedback - Oct 19, 2006

Appendix E: Exist SurveyCollected Responses;Stakeholder Feedback - Nov 13, 2006


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IntroductionGPP Architecture was retained by the City ofWinnipeg, in partnership with the community groupSave Our Seine to develop a Vision and Action Planfor the portion of the Seine River Corridor, defined asReach 1 and stretching from the Red River toHappyland Park. In acknowledgement that thecorridor is more than just the river and its adjacentbanks, past studies have viewed the river corridor asa Greenway. In this way the constituent componentsof land, water, cultural and natural resources areconsidered as interlocking pieces of a larger whole,rather than isolated entities with little connection toeach other.

In its larger context, the Seine River connects tomany rural communities to that south east of theprovince, such as Ste. Anne. Within the city proper,urban development is slowly encroaching on theSeine River corridor and threatens to deplete thenatural area. Attention must be given to the uniquecharacter of this area and efforts to preserve itnatural state.

The Seine River Greenway provides a unique andvalued “urban wilderness” heritage to localresidents. The action plan, completed in consultationwith local stakeholders, seeks to protect, nurture andenhance the Seine River for the enjoyment of presentand future generations and prevent exploitation,destruction and neglect of this valuable resource.

According to a 1998 recent survey the City ofWinnipeg owns approximately 44% of the totalriverbank for that portion of the river between theRed River and the diversion at the Red RiverFloodway. This level of riverbank ownership has onlyincreased given recent residential development alongthe southern portion of the greenway.

This is the first of a series of planning studies of theparkland, property and neigbourhoods aligning theSeine River Greenway. Through identification ofmajor goals and objectives the Action Plan willestablish a framework for future development alongthe river. This initial study will focus on that portionof the greenway beginning at the mouth along theRed River and extending south to Happyland Parkwhere the Seine crosses Rue Marion. SubsequentVision and Action Plans will build on and extend theproposed framework for development.


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MethodologyThe methodology, which was geared to the specificneeds of the client and the project, broke theformation of the Vision and resulting Action Plandown into a series of clearly defineable stages andconstituent steps. This clearly identifies aspects ofplanning, preparation, set-up, review and reportingleading to the production of the final report.The Seine River Vision and Action Plan included thefollowing stages:

A. Existing Conditions/Review of Past Studies and Current Plans:

• Site Investigation and Assessment of existing conditions, opportunities and constraints withinthe study area.

• Interviews with Parks Superintendent and UrbanDesigner/Landscape Architect.

• Confirmation of priorities with City of Winnipegand Save Our Seine Group (SOS).

• Review of Seine River Greenway Study and allancillary studies (as many as five identified todate). Summarize finding and direction fromthese. Draw design direction from these andapply to site mapping in order to createcomposite map incorporating the directivesemanating from all previous studies.

• Review of upcoming projects that Client group may be planning (rail bridge improvements,etc.)

• Prepare and deliver summary report and preliminary study boards of findings.

B. Stakeholder Consultation:• Initial meeting(s) with Project Steering

Committee comprised of City staff and SOS members to clarify keys steps and deliverables,identify potential stakeholders and partners anddefine stakeholder consultation process. From this process, at the Client’s suggestion, we maywiden the circle of potential development partners.

• Identify stakeholder groups and identify appropriate forum to meet groups based upon level of ownership. Interviews and/or focus group consultation with key resident and non-resident stakeholders and partners including S.O.S., Festival du Voyageur, trails/paddling groups, Old St. Boniface Residents Association,

Enterprise Riel, local area residents, local businesses/industries backing onto the Seine River, Maison Gabrielle Roy, etc.

• Interviews/meeting with relevant City staffincluding, City Naturalist, Parks Superintendent,Waterways Engineer, Urban Designer and othersas defined by the Project Steering Committee.

• Compilation of stakeholder feedback and facilitation of additional Planning/Visioning Session(s) to confirm key priorities and opportunities for the Vision Plan.

• Prepare and deliver summary report and preliminary study boards of findings.

C. Vision and Action Plan:• Development of a comprehensive Vision Plan for

the study area, based on stakeholder feedback and direction from the Project Steering Committee.

• Present same to all stakeholder groups for feedback. Identify potential development partners and partnerships.

• Based upon feedback, make final adjustments to boards, and prepare final documents.

• Meet with the groups and undertake ranking exercise that will help determine priorities,schedule, achievability and partnerships.

• Prepare summary report, concept plans and conceptual sketches as well as list of priorities.


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Goals, Objectives and PurposeThe purpose of the Vision is not to provide yetanother study for an area that has been extensivelyover-studied. It is to create as consensus drivendocument, which represents the will and direction ofall of the affected area stakeholders; be theygovernment, industry, residents or volunteers that allhave a stake in the sound and progressivedevelopment of this highly cherished area. It is nota list of projects that are to be undertaken by theCity of Winnipeg, but rather an open invitation to allparticipants to create partnerships that will assurethe longterm stable and sustainable development ofthe area.

These partnerships will champion each project andfind the person-power and funding to see theseprojects become a reality. This Vision will identifylocal champions and be used as a promotional toolto seek out other funding opportunities.


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Geographic Location

Figure 1. Geographic Location of study area and larger Seine RiverValley.

Red River

Reach 1

SeineRiver

PerimeterHighway

The study area is located east of downtownWinnipeg, along the Seine River Valley in theneighbourhood of St.Boniface. (Fig 1) Beginning inthe north where the Seine flows into the Red Rivernear Whittier Park the study area extends southwardto Happyland Park where the Seine river crosses rueMarion. Its lateral boundaries are defined byArchibald to the East and des Meurons to the West.Though contained within the neighbourhood ofSt.Boniface, the study area includes or touches onseveral communities along either side of the river.The Seine River itself is a slow flowing andextensively meandering river. Depending on how itsriver corridor is treated and “developed” the river caneither connect or divide these communities. Semi-formal walking trails and bike paths currently existalong portions of the backs on either side of theriver.

Containing many historic elements, it is rich infrancophone and métis history and culture. Thefastest growing residential community in Winnipeg atpresent surround the river to the south. Urbandevelopment is slowly encroching on the Seine Rivercorridor, and threatens to deplete the natural area.Proposed residential development will soon surroundthe river up to the river up to the perimiter.

In its larger context, the Seine River connects tomany rural communities in the south east of theprovince, such as Ste. Anne. Many of thesecommunities are studying the potential recreationalaspect of the river as tourist lickages to Winnipeg. Itis therefore important to keep in mind that the studyarea is part of a large river valley, both withinWinnipeg and southern eastern Manitoba.


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Historical OverviewThe Seine River is an unassuming tributary to thelarger and more well know Red River. Its history canbe divided into two periods; pre- and postsettlement. Its river valley traditionally provided anexcellent wildlife habitat because of the diverseenvironments afforded by it. Prior to settlement inthe area, it had a relative importance as a supplier ofgame for native hunters. Subsequent to settlementthe river valley was exposed to a series ofinterventions. Drainage ditches, bridges, agriculturalcultivation and urban settlement all contributed tochanges to the river basin, the flow of the river andthe river itself. The most recent and dramatic ofthese was the construction of the Red River Floodwayin 1967.

While no significant archeological pre-settlementsites have been discovered along the river, anecdotalevidence of Aboriginal presence in the area doesexist. In the early part of the Nineteenth Century,lands given to Roman Catholic Church encompassedthe greenway. This was to form the basis of thecommunity that has come to be known as St.Boniface. As a result several historically andculturally significant sites, pertaining to early settleand growth of the area, exist adjacent or in closeproximity to the Seine River; as abundant as thosealong the larger Red River. The concentration ofthese is higher in the areas of the river valleyaddressed by the vision than in other portions of theriver further upstream to the south. Both individuallyand collectively they offer opportunities fordevelopment, transforming the river into a corridorlinking the various heritage resources and re-unitingindividuals with both the past and the river.

Figure 2: Parks Canada plaque installed at the Lagimodiére/GabouryHomestead

For a listing of sites along with their specificlocations refer to the Historic Sites Map (map 1).Some of the more noteable of these are:

Jean-Baptiste Lagimodiére/Marie-Anne GabouryHomestead.The foundation of the Canadien-Métis orfrancophone community by the Lagimodieres andtheir extended families is strongly identified with thenorth end of the Seine River valley in the immediatevicinity along the Seine River (Fig. 2). Many of theirdescendents went on to become farmers andestablish a permanent community along the SeineRiver.


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Historical OverviewGabrielle Roy family home (Figure 3)Considered the first female novelist of Québécoisliterature, Gabrielle Roy was a writer of internationalstature and recognition. Her writings immortalizedthe rue Deschambault, the street on which she wasborn and raised. Her first novel Bohneur d’occasionearned her France’s prestigious Prix Fémina.

Sacred Heart Belgian Roman Catholic CemetaryRepresentative of the early pioneers that settled inthe surrounding neighbourhood, the cemetary and(now demolished) parish church answered thespiritual needs of the Flemish immigrants and theirdescendents. The markers within the cemetaryprovide a physical record of the early Belgianpeoples that arrived in this area.

The areas along both sides of the river haveexperienced urbanization and development as St.Boniface and Winnipeg grew and expanded. Thoughthe Seine River has not been spared from thenegative impacts of development, elements of itsnatural beauty still remain. Rejuvenation of thisgreenway into a sustainable “urban wilderness”within the City of Winnipeg remains an achievablegoal. One that if achieved has the potential tobecome one of the most beautiful and valued

landscapes within the City of Winnipeg.1

1 Seine River Study; Final Report of Seine River Task Force, P10

Figure 3. The family home of Gabrielle Roy at 375 rue Deschambault


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Historical Sites

Map 1. Historical Sites


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Existing ContextOwnership of the riverbank within the study areavaries considerable. North of Provencher, the City ofWinnipeg owns almost all of the land adjacent to theriver. Though no heritage trees have been identifiedin this area, approximately half of the land in thisarea is considered to be high quality habitat. Fivesites have been identified as Wildlife Enhancement

and Vegetation Restoration Areas.1 The riverbankadjacent to the Belgian Club (located along the northside of Provencher) has been negatively impacted byits parking lot along the river. Previous fillingoperations when the land was used for marketgardening have created complex and steepriverbanks. One major riverbank failure has occurredin this area. The area hosts nine identifiable historicsites, of which Lagimodière/Gaboury Homestead isthe most notable, in addition to countless others,related to the settlement’s early history. Historyremains a potent source for future development.

South of Provencher city ownership of riverbanklands falls to only about 25%. This is entirelycomprised by Kavanagh Park; the only city ownedpark in this segment. Large portions on the east sideof the river are zoned and occupied by industrial use.The most notable of these is the IKO site, which isslated for an environmental clean-up affecting bothriverbanks along the site. The remaining lands arecomprised of institutional and detached residentialdevelopments. Land use on the westside of the riveris similar, thought the percentage of residential orplanned residential development is higher. Shouldthe industrials relocate, new residentialdevelopments are planned for these lands.

Though the majority of the riverbank is privatelyowned, much of this area can be accessed by meansof existing unofficial trails. No formal easements atpresent exist with the owners of these lands. Lessthat 10% of the riverbank are considered to be ofhigh quality habitat. Fifteen Wildlife Enhancementand Vegetation Restoration areas have beenidentified and eight possible heritage trees have been

located.2 Seven riverbank failures have beenidentified and a significant failure at Kavanagh St.has been rectified.

Significant portions of the riverbank have beenpreviously built-up with concrete rubble to allowgreater site development and reduce erosion due toflooding. As a result of S.O.S.’s efforts some of thesematerials have been removed. Their completeremoval, dependant of the available funds, isessential to improve river navigation and preventblockage of the river.

For owners of riverbank property, their property linealong the shore typically extends the “highwaterline”. Many owners do not know this andinstead believe their property extend all the waydown to the river. The land between the river watersand there property line is owned by the city. When anarea is being developed for a residential developmentthe C.O.W. is obligated to buy along the riverbank upto the high waterline at the set rate of$15,000.00/acre. In Winnipeg, five to ten acres ofriverbank properties are acquired every year by thecity through this process.

As previously mentions industrial development alongthe Seine River has damaged or destroyed thenatural habitat. The most notable of these within thecurrent study area is the IKO site located along theriver’s east bank. The site is highly contaminated. Anenvironmental remediation of the site is scheduledto begin 2007 and will involve both sides of the river.As part of this work, the river will experiencesignificant disruption with the flow of the rivertemporarily redirected around the remediation area.This ironically provides a significant opportunity forupgrading the riverbank.

Many of the current river crossings, both vehicularand pedestrian, interfere with navigation of the river.All new bridges are to conform to new guidelines putin place by the city. These require all new bridges notto interfere with recreational navigation of the river.


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Existing ContextHABITAT RESTORATION

As noted above, significant portions of high qualityhabitat, suitable for supporting wildlife, exist alongportions of the river. Preservation of these areas andrestoration of lands impacted by previousdevelopment are key to the action plan’s success.The natural habitat will draw local wildlife. These inturn will be a draw to users; encouraging them tohike, cycle or canoe the length of what will be knownas the Greenway.

The success of any greenway requires the continuityof the natural habitat along its entire length. Gapsand breaks in the habitat isolate the greenway intodiscreet pockets and prevent or discourage themigration of wildlife along its length. Until recently,the typical city park was comprised of manicuredlawns, clipped hedges and possible addition of floralplantings. This approach eliminated or excluded useof indigenous plant species sought by wildlife. Forthis reason the greenway needs to be expanded;gaps filled in; damaged lands restored.

The city has adopted a policy of naturalization,which encourages the planting and return of nativegrasses, shrubs, trees and wildflowers. In essence,naturalization encourages the return of prairiegrasslands, woodlands or wetlands native toWinnipeg, restoring habitat sought by local wildlife.Naturalization can be either passive or active.Passive naturalization returns an area to its naturalstate by decreasing or eliminating mowing of thearea, allowing the indigenous species to return overtime. Active naturalization is the reintroduction ofnative species into a selected area. To educate thepublic concerning the concept the city has producedsome information materials on the subject. It mayneed to be expanded or more highly publicised, elsethe public may interpret these conditions as a lackand civic maintenance rather than goodenvironmental policy.

The width of a greenway has an importance similarto that of the continuity along its length. Not allplants and wildlife require the same habitat width.For some it can be rather narrow. Others require amore significant width, without which they cannotreside in the area regardless of the quality of thehabitat. The City of Winnipeg has identified thepreferred width of the greenway to be 350 feet. Inmost cases this cannot be achieved due to existingdevelopment. However, as part of the naturalizationprocess it should be sought wherever possible.

Figure 4. River habitat comprised of the river, itsimmediate riverbanks and the adjacent uplands.


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Existing ContextTRAILS

A series of formal and informal river trails alignportions of the study area. These trails arepredominately, though not exclusively, located alongthe west side of the Seine River. Both pedestriansand cyclists utilize the trials, though some of themore isolated sections tend to experience less usage.The more informal portions of the trials, which runclose to the river and tend to be surrounded bywoodlands, need periodic attention to avoidbecoming overgrown. Where this occurs it tends topreclude use of the trials except by for the mosthardy. Such conditions also tend to feed intoconcerns about safety, which further discourage useof the trail system. A responsive maintenanceprogram is important to encourage and promote thepublic’s use of the trail system. This could be a rolefor Save Our Seine in the context of a regularmaintenance agreement with the City of Winnipeg.

The absence of trails along the east bank, the limitednumber of river crossing points and the low level ofcity ownership along the east side generallyprecludes public use on this side of the river.Additional river crossing points and obtainment bythe city of either ownership or public easements foradditional trails would be required to alter thissituation. Residents along the eastside have beencool to such suggestions, preferring the isolation oftheir current situation. However this situation alsoprecludes the residents’ use of the trail system tothe west. As the city has already done elsewhere, itmay be possible to renovate the existing railwaybridge at Deschambault to include a pedestriancrossing. A crossing at this location though removedfrom the Tissot and Dufresne enclaves provides anadditional crossing point at the approximate mid-point between the other existing crossing atProvencher and Marion.

Pedestrian crossing of Provencher, adjacent to whereit meets the Seine River, is a hazard due to the speedand volume of vehicular traffic along this artery anddiscourage potential trial users crossing from oneside to the other. Installation of a crosswalk or somealternative means is required to alleviate thissituation.

Expansion of these trails has been proposed bygroups such as Prairie Pathfinder. Expansion wouldsee the trail system extended along the Red River toWhitter Park and the incorporation of winter trails forcross country skiing, ensuring year round usage.Connection to the Trans Canada Trial and proposedbike path along the CPR Marconi line are also beingplanned for.


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Existing ContextTRAIL SAFETY

There are two main categories affecting trail safety:Physical Character and City By-laws. Physicalcharacter includes trail surface, grading, trailmaintenance, fencing (need to see through),entrance and exits, signage and lighting (in terms ofvisibility and admission of natural light). Where asCity By-laws controls hours of use (dusk-til-dawn),presence of open fires, By-law enforcement, andcontact authorities.

For reasons of safety, pedestrian and bike trails maywish to avoid long unbroken and secluded segments,with limited access points, and blind corners. Thesecan make users feel vulnerable and discourages theiruse of the trails. Visual or active supervision of thetrials is also a key concern, especially for theprotection of female users.

New trails should be located to leave certain areas(such as river points) undisturbed and insteadprovide small spur lines in place of the main trailthrough these areas. This can help to improve sitelines for users, which also improves safety.

Lighting along trails and related areas is a keyconsideration with respect to user safety. Fixtureselection and lighting levels need carefulconsideration. Light fixtures need to be durable andresistant to vandalism. Illumination levels need to behigh enough for user safety, but not so bright as toscare away wildlife.

1 Seine River Study; Final Report of Seine River Task Force,P55

2 Ibid, P58


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Seine River Greenway: Vision and Action PlanReach 1: Red River to Happyland Park


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Seine River Greenway: Vision and Action PlanReach 1: Red River to Happyland Park


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Challenges to Greenway HabitatThe Seine River Greenway is faced by a variety ofchallenges, both nature and man-made, whichthreaten the health and sustainability of the river, itsadjacent riverbanks and immediate uplands. Each ofthese offers unique and serious challenges to thelong-term health and sustainability of the river.Where possible some initial steps have been taken,however more is required to adequately address thethreats posed.

BeaversIt is estimated at present there are between 50-100beavers along the Seine River Greenway. The absenceof natural predators from the area has removednatural checks and balances on the beaverpopulation, allowing it to continue to grow. Thecurrent beaver population in the greenway takes aheavy toll on the mature trees lining the banks of theriver, which are felled by them for construction oftheir dams and dens. The problem this poses issignificant and rated from moderate to high inimportance with respect the success and health ofthe greenway.

The canopies of mature trees in addition to providingshade and habitat for other animals in the greenway,help to stabilize the riverbanks and protect it fromerosion. Removal of large numbers of mature treestherefore negatively impacts the greenway and theanimal habitat it can provide. Planting of new youngtrees, though important, does not immediatelymake-up for the loss of older mature trees. This canonly be remedied by time.

Wrapping the base of trees with stucco wire is aneffective means of protecting them against beavers.Community volunteers have undertaken thewrapping of older mature trees; approximately onehundred fifty have been wrapped so far. An audit ofthe area’s trees is needed to identify those ofsignificance requiring immediate protection.However, given the overall length of the Seine RiverGreenway and the number of trees that would needto be wrapped, this is not a practical solution to theproblem. Simply dismantling beaver dams is nosolution either. Rather it causes the destruction ofadditional trees as beavers construct new dams. Anupdated estimate on the beaver population isrequired for an accurate picture on the extent of theproblem. At present removal of beavers throughdiscrete trapping is the only effective of alleviatingthis problem.


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Challenges to Greenway Habitat

Invasive SpeciesThe preservation and restoration of existing naturalhabitat is challenged by invasive species, such asPurple Loosestrife and European Buckthorn. As theyare foreign to the region, there are no native insectsto check their advance. The hardiness of suchspecies typically makes it difficult, though notimpossible, to eradicate them from infected areasonce they become established. Where publicresource are not available, local volunteers can beused to respond these problems. The City ofWinnipeg and Ducks Unlimited Canada havepublished information pamphlets to make groupsaware both of the problem and the proper correctiveapproaches.

Dutch Elm DiseaseDutch elm disease is a major environmental concernfor the greenway. Though chemical treatments doexist for protecting uninfected trees, these areexpensive and difficult to administer on a large scale.At present, there is no treatment or cure for treesinfected with the disease. Removal of infected woodis the only means of addressing the problem. Earlydetection of infection is therefore critical tocontaining the spread of the disease. Preventativemeasures such as tree banding by volunteers hasbeen carried out in the past. To be effective suchmeasures require an on going effort, both for thebanding of trees in mid-September and removal ofthe bands in mid-May. The city of Winnipeg hasassisted through the public information campaigns.Reliance on volunteers for on going tree banding mayprove problematic as the greenway expands in size.

Dutch Elm disease is a concern to the viability of the greenway.

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum) replaces all native vegetation anddestroys wetlands areas. European Buckthorn has taken over large tracks of riparian forest.


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Challenges to Greenway HabitatDevelopmentNew development along the greenway needs to becarried out in such a way as to avoid further damageto river habitat. Where new development along theriver must occur, it needs to be done as sensitively aspossible and should ideally take place on previouslydeveloped lands. In this way the potential negativeimpact is minimized.

Riverbank StabilizationSeveral locations within the current study area andalong the length of the greenway show signs ofriverbank failure. This is a result of natural erosion ofthe bank over time. Riverbank restoration efforts areinvolve and expensive undertakings. Efforts tostabilize the riverbank against failure have beenundertaken by means of active tree plantingprograms.


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Challenges to Greenway HabitatWater ManagementMaintaining a minimal water level in the Seine Riverfor navigation by canoes and small boats isproblematic at present. The diversion of watersfrom the Seine River Basin for economicdevelopment and local flooding protection hasnegatively impacted the river’s water level andquality. During years with low precipitation the riverrunning dry and river habitat and fish populationssuffer. The diversion of water largely takes placeoutside of the city, beyond the jurisdiction of themunicipal government. Efforts to change existingdiversions require support from the provincialgovernment and need to be pursued if the waterconditions in the river are to be further improved.

The community group Save Our Seine, with thesupport of government, has organized theconstruction of riffles in the river in response to thissituation. (Fig. 5) Riffles are artificial stonestructures that act as dams and mimic the effect ofrapids. (Fig. 6) In this way they help to raise riverwater levels, dissolve oxygen into the water andprovide a continuous migration route for fish. (Fig. 7)The deeper pools of water created by the riffles havelower water temperatures creating better fishhabitat. Expansion of the riffle system is to proceedas resources become available. Save Our Seine hasalso proposed nine additional artificial spawningbeds for the improvement of subsurface habitat.

Figure 5: The stone structures of riffles act like dams, making ahigher water level upstream of the structure.

Figure 6: Although water is squeezed through the stone riffles, theyallows fish to pass up or down stream.

Figure 7: By disturbing the surface of the river, riffles add dissolvedoxygen to the water.


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Seine River Greenway: Vision & Action PlanReach 1: Red River to Happyland Park


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Seine River Greenway: Vision & Action PlanReach 1: Focus Area 1 - Lagimodiere-Gaboury Park


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Seine River Greenway: Vision & Action PlanReach 1: Focus Area 2 - Gabrielle Roy Park


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Seine River Greenway: Vision & Action PlanReach 1: Focus Area 3 - Post Industrial


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Seine River Greenway: Vision & Action PlanReach 1: Focus Area 4 - North Marion Street


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Literature ReviewPublications; Studies:Riverbank Stability Characterization Study of theSeine River in Winnipeg, MB (1994)

An assessment of Vegetation and Wildlife HabitatQuality for the SEINE RIVER PARKWAY (1995)

The Seine River Corridor: its history andsuggestions for its interpretation (1995)

Hydrological and Hydraulic Modeling of Flows andLevels of the Seine River. (1996)

Seine River Study; Final Report of Seine River Taskforce (1998)

Seine River Greenway Study, (2000)

Seine River Stability Characterization, (1994)

An assessment of vegetation and wildlife habitatquality for the Seine River Parkway, (1995)

Hydrological and hydraulic modeling of flows andlevels of the Seine River (1996)

Seine River Interpretive Trail; A feasibility anddesign study, (1995)

Seine River Park Study, (1980)

Bois des Esprits Park Plan, (2001)

IPEG 2020 Vision, City of Winnipeg

Lagimodière-Gaboury Homestead; Master Plan andFirst Phase of Development (1999)

Crime prevention through environmental design,City of Victoria, Amended 2004

Publications; InformationPamphlets:Dutch Elm Disease, Province of ManitobaEuropean Buckthorn, City of WinnipegHealth tips for Healthy Streams, Government ofCanadaPurple Loosestrife in Western Canada, DucksUnlimited CanadaTree Banding, City of Winnipeg

Books:How Parkways Work: A Handbook on Ecology byJanathan Labaree, 1992

Websites:How Greenways Work:www.americantrails.org

City of Winnipeg; Public Works – Naturalization inWinnipeg:www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/parks/Naturalization.asp

Waterfront Living; Safeguard your Health andWealth:www.livingbywater.ca

National Trials training Partnership:www.americantrails.org/resources/greenways/NPSintroGrnwy.html

Save Our Seine:www.saveourseine.com

Manitoba Clean Water Guide; Manitoba:Environment Water Quality Management Section.www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/index.html?water_guide/toc.html

Appendix A:Exit Survey Summary; Final Vision and Action Plan


Below is the summary of the opinions and preferences expressed with regard to the questionsasked

Which projects are of most interest to you? (indicate by title, board or item number)?(x1) 1.2 Splash-Dash Water Taxi(x1) 1.3 Lagimodière-Gaboury Interpretive Park

(x2) 2.1 Provencher Pedestrian Crossing(x1) 2.2 Place de la Culture(x1) 2.3 Provencher Canoe Launch(x5) 2.4 Gabrielle Roy Theme Park

(x2) 3.1 Pedestrian Crossing Bridge(x2) 3.2 Low Impact Permanent Trail System(x2) 3.3 Preserve & Rehabilitate naturalized Habitat(x1) 3.4 Post Industrial Housing Infill

(x3) 4.2 Marion Street Canoe Launch

Do you have any concerns with any of the projects proposed? If so, which ones and why?(x1) 2.4 Suitable portal & parking for Gabrielle-Roy Park(x1) 2.5 Encroachment of Residential Development

(x3) 3.1Proper consultation process critical, needs resolution through stakeholders working together, unspecific crossing siting

Proper access for canoes & kayaks

Consistent, unique and aesthetically pleasing signage

Developing long and short-term Vision Plan

What would be your three most important projects for implementation in the 2007 construction season?(x1) 1.2 Splash-Dash Water Taxi(x2) 1.3 Lagimodière-Gaboury Interpretive Perk

(x2) 2.1 Provencher Pedestrian Crossing(x3) 2.3 Provencher Canoe Launch(x5) 2.4 Gabrielle-Roy Theme Park

(x2) 3.1 Pedestrian Bridge Crossing(x1) 3.2 Low Impact Permanent Walking Trail System

(x4) 4.2 Marion Street Canoe Launch


How would/could you like to see yourself or your group participating in the projects that you havepriorized? Have you planned to contribute labour, or funds to the project?Dufresne Residents Group – Dufresne Residents Brief – Contribute labour.

Maison Gabrielle-Roy – Literary Path & Park development – Can contribute funds granted throughWinnipeg Foundation to completing Business Plan. Future funding for built elements may beforthcoming.

Northern Soul Wilderness Adventures – Various Canoe Projects – Can contribute knowledge, inputfor paddlers, design for boat launches.

Save Our Seine – various Projects along Seine – Can contribute Fundraising and funds, expertise &knowledge, promotion of events, activities & initiatives.

Do you have any ongoing or proposed projects that should be considered within this Vision plan?Dufresne Residents Group – see Dufresne Residents Brief submitted to City of Winnipeg

Maison Gabrielle Roy – G-R literary walking tour in St-Boniface should be part pf Vision

SOS – IKO site restoration & dirt bike jumping park at Lagimodière-Gaboury Park



Appendix B:Seine River Greenway: Reach 1; Summary Report

Introduction

Goals and Objectives

Methodology

Findings Summary

Historic over view of Seine River Study Area

Existing Context

Habitat restoration

Trails

Trail Safety

Existing Challenges to Greenway Habitat

Beavers

Dutch Elm Disease

Invasive Species

Development

Riverbank Stabilization

Water Management

Opportunities for Development

Glossary

Literature Review

List of Stakeholders

Table of Contents


GPP Architecture was retained by the City ofWinnipeg, on behalf of the community group SaveOur Seine to develop a Vision and Action Plan for theportion of the Seine River Corridor, defined as Reach1 and stretching from the Red River to HappylandPark. In acknowledgement that the corridor is morethan just the river and its adjacent banks, paststudies have viewed the river corridor as a Greenway.In this way the constituent components of land,water, cultural and natural resources are consideredas interlocking pieces of a larger whole, rather thanisolated entities with little connection to each other.

The Seine River Greenway provides a unique andvalued “urban wilderness” heritage to localresidents. The action plan to be completed, inconsultation with local stakeholders, will seek toprotect, nurture and enhance the Seine River for theenjoyment of present and future generations andprevent exploitation, destruction and neglect of thisvaluable resource.

According to a 1998 recent survey the City ofWinnipeg owns approximately 44% of the totalriverbank for that portion of the river between theRed River and the diversion at the Red RiverFloodway. This level of riverbank ownership has onlyincreased given recent residential development alongthe southern portion of the greenway.

This is the first of a series of planning studies of theparkland, property and neigbourhoods aligning theSeine River Greenway. Through identification ofmajor goals and objectives the Action Plan willconstruct a framework for future development alongthe river. This initial study will focus on that portionof the greenway beginning at the mouth along theRed River and extending south to Happyland Parkwhere the Seine crosses Rue Marion. SubsequentVision and Action Plans will build on and extend theproposed framework for development.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The ultimate goal of the immediate study is toenhance the connection from Whitter Park, at theriver’s mouth, to Happyland Park to the south. Initialdevelopment will establish a heart for the overallproject that will be extended overtime.

Develop next a “kit of parts” that can be used withsubsequent phases of the planning study to tie theentire Vision together. This is the key to creating thisconnection.

Putting in place measures and strategies thatcounter existing threats (both natural and manmade)to the natural habitat along the river.

Fostering a sustainable natural landscape, with plantspecies natural to the region.

Striking a balance between the needs of people,plants and wildlife along the river. To mutuallyenriched and attract people and economicdevelopment while ensuring a natural habitat andcultural landscape of high quality for futuregenerations.

METHODOLOGY

As a prelude to more extensive public andstakeholder consultation a preliminary informationgathering exercise was conducted, drawing onprevious studies and available base information forthe area in question as well as through interviewswith key representatives from Save Our Seine and theCity of Winnipeg.

The process included identification of project goalsand objectives, gathering of topological, typologicaland hydrological information and identification ofpotential stakeholders and partners (from the publicand private sectors).

A summary of the findings from this process wasassembled from which preliminary study boardswere created. These were used to reconfirm thefindings and direction with the key representatives.What follows is a summary report of the collectedfindings.

Introduction


HISTORIC OVER VIEW OF SEINE RIVER STUDY AREA

The Seine River is an unassuming tributary to thelarger and more well know Red River. The Seine Rivervalley traditionally provided an excellent wildlifehabitat because of the diversity of environment itafforded. Prior to settlement in the area, it had arelative importance as a supplier of game for nativehunters. Subsequent to settlement the river valleywas exposed to a series of interventions. Drainageditches, bridges, agricultural cultivation and urbansettlement all contributed to changes to the riverbasin, the flow of the river and the river itself. Themost recent and dramatic of these was theconstruction of the Red River Floodway in 1967.

While no significant archeological pre-settlementsites have been discovered along the river, anecdotalevidence of Aboriginal presence in the area doesexist. In the early part of the Nineteenth Century,lands given to Roman Catholic Church encompassedthe greenway. This was to form the basis of thecommunity that has come to be known as St.Boniface. As a result several historically andculturally significant sites, pertaining to early settleand growth of the area, exist adjacent or in closeproximity to the Seine River. The concentration ofthese is higher in the areas addressed by the currentstudy than in other portions further upstream. Theyoffer opportunities for development, re-unitingindividuals with both the past and the river.

The areas along both sides of the river haveexperienced urbanization and development as St.Boniface and Winnipeg grew and expanded. Thoughthe Seine River has not been spared from thenegative impacts of development, elements of itsnatural beauty still remain. Rejuvenation of thisgreenway into a sustainable “urban wilderness”within the City of Winnipeg remains an achievablegoal. One that if achieved has the potential tobecome one of the most beautiful and valued

landscapes within the City of Winnipeg.1

EXISTING CONTEXT

Ownership of the riverbank within the study areavaries considerable. North of Provencher, the City ofWinnipeg owns almost all of the land adjacent to theriver. Though no heritage trees have been identifiedin this area, approximately half of the land in thisarea is considered to be high quality habitat. Fivesites have been identified as Wildlife Enhancement

and Vegetation Restoration Areas.2 The riverbank

adjacent to the Belgian Club (located along the northside of Provencher) has been negatively impacted byits parking lot along the river. Previous fillingoperations when the land was used for marketgardening have created complex and steepriverbanks. One major riverbank failure has occurredin this area. The area hosts nine identifiable historicsites, of which Lagimodière/Gaboury Homestead isthe most notable, in addition to countless others,related to the settlement’s early history. Historyremains a potent source for future development.

South of Provencher city ownership of riverbanklands falls to only about 25%. This is entirelycomprised by Kavanagh Park; the only city ownedpark in this segment. Large portions on the east sideof the river are zoned and occupied by industrial use.The most notable of these is the IKO site, which isslated for an environmental clean-up affecting bothriverbanks along the site. The remaining lands arecomprised of institutional and detached residentialdevelopments. Land use on the westside of the riveris similar, thought the percentage of residential orplanned residential development is higher. Shouldthe industrials relocate, new residentialdevelopments are planned for these lands.

Though the majority of the riverbank is privatelyowned, much of this area can be accessed by meansof existing unofficial trails. No formal easements atpresent exist with the owners of these lands. Lessthat 10% of the riverbank are considered to be ofhigh quality habitat. Fifteen Wildlife Enhancementand Vegetation Restoration areas have beenidentified and eight possible heritage trees have been

located.3 Seven riverbank failures have beenidentified and a significant failure at Kavanagh St.has been rectified.

Significant portions of the riverbank have beenpreviously built-up with concrete rubble to allowgreater site development and reduce erosion due toflooding. As a result of S.O.S.’s efforts some of thesematerials have been removed. Their completeremoval, dependant of the available funds, isessential to improve river navigation and preventblockage of the river.

For owners of riverbank property, their property linealong the shore typically extends the “highwaterline”. Many owners do not know this andinstead believe their property extend all the waydown to the river. The land between the river waters

Findings Summary


and there property line is owned by the city. When anarea is being developed for a residential developmentthe C.O.W. is obligated to buy along the riverbank upto the high waterline at the set rate of$15,000.00/acre. In Winnipeg, five to ten acres ofriverbank properties are acquired every year by thecity through this process.

As previously mentions industrial development alongthe Seine River has damaged or destroyed thenatural habitat. The most notable of these within thecurrent study area is the IKO site located along theriver’s east bank. The site is highly contaminated. Anenvironmental remediation of the site is scheduledto begin 2007 and will involve both sides of the river.As part of this work, the river will experiencesignificant disruption with the flow of the rivertemporarily redirected around the remediation area.This ironically provides a significant opportunity forupgrading the riverbank.

Many of the current river crossings, both vehicularand pedestrian, interfere with navigation of the river.All new bridges are to conform to new guidelines putin place by the city. These require all new bridges notto interfere with recreational navigation of the river.

HABITAT RESTORATION

As noted above, significant portions of high qualityhabitat, suitable for supporting wildlife, exist alongportions of the river. Preservation of these areas andrestoration of lands impacted by previousdevelopment are key to the action plan’s success.The natural habitat will draw local wildlife. These inturn will be a draw to users; encouraging them tohike, cycle or canoe the length of what will be knownas the Greenway.

The success of any greenway requires the continuityof the natural habitat along its entire length. Gapsand breaks in the habitat isolate the greenway intodiscreet pockets and prevent or discourage themigration of wildlife along its length. Until recently,the typical city park was comprised of manicuredlawns, clipped hedges and possible addition of floralplantings. This approach eliminated or excluded useof indigenous plant species sought by wildlife. Forthis reason the greenway needs to be expanded;gaps filled in; damaged lands restored.

The city has adopted a policy of naturalization,which encourages the planting and return of nativegrasses, shrubs, trees and wildflowers. In essence,naturalization encourages the return of prairie

grasslands, woodlands or wetlands native toWinnipeg, restoring habitat sought by local wildlife.Naturalization can be either passive or active.Passive naturalization returns an area to its naturalstate by decreasing or eliminating mowing of thearea, allowing the indigenous species to return overtime. Active naturalization is the reintroduction ofnative species into a selected area. To educate thepublic concerning the concept the city has producedsome information materials on the subject. It mayneed to be expanded or more highly publicised, elsethe public may interpret these conditions as a lackand civic maintenance rather than goodenvironmental policy.

The width of a greenway has an importance similarto that of the continuity along its length. Not allplants and wildlife require the same habitat width.For some it can be rather narrow. Others require amore significant width, without which they cannotreside in the area regardless of the quality of thehabitat. The City of Winnipeg has identified thepreferred width of the greenway to be 350 feet. Inmost cases this cannot be achieved due to existingdevelopment. However, as part of the naturalizationprocess it should be sought wherever possible.

TRAILS

A series of formal and informal river trails alignportions of the study area. These trails arepredominately, though not exclusively, located alongthe west side of the Seine River. Both pedestriansand cyclists utilize the trials, though some of themore isolated sections tend to experience less usage.The more informal portions of the trials, which runclose to the river and tend to be surrounded bywoodlands, need periodic attention to avoidbecoming overgrown. Where this occurs it tends topreclude use of the trials except by for the mosthardy. Such conditions also tend to feed intoconcerns about safety, which further discourage useof the trail system. A responsive maintenanceprogram is important to encourage and promote thepublic’s use of the trail system. This could be a rolefor Save Our Seine in the context of a regularmaintenance agreement with the City of Winnipeg.

The absence of trails along the east bank, the limitednumber of river crossing points and the low level ofcity ownership along the east side generallyprecludes public use on this side of the river.Additional river crossing points and obtainment bythe city of either ownership or public easements for


additional trails would be required to alter thissituation. Residents along the eastside have beencool to such suggestions, preferring the isolation oftheir current situation. However this situation alsoprecludes the residents’ use of the trail system tothe west. As the city has already done elsewhere, itmay be possible to renovate the existing railwaybridge at Deschambault to include a pedestriancrossing. A crossing at this location though removedfrom the Tissot and Dufresne enclaves provides anadditional crossing point at the approximate mid-point between the other existing crossing atProvencher and Marion.

Pedestrian crossing of Provencher, adjacent to whereit meets the Seine River, is a hazard due to the speedand volume of vehicular traffic along this artery anddiscourage potential trial users crossing from oneside to the other. Installation of a crosswalk or somealternative means is required to alleviate thissituation.

Expansion of these trails has been proposed bygroups such as Prairie Pathfinder. Expansion wouldsee the trail system extended along the Red River toWhitter Park and the incorporation of winter trails forcross country skiing, ensuring year round usage.Connection to the Trans Canada Trial and proposedbike path along the CPR Marconi line are also beingplanned for.

TRAIL SAFETY

There are two main categories affecting trail safety:Physical Character and City By-laws. Physicalcharacter includes trail surface, grading, trailmaintenance, fencing (need to see through),entrance and exits, signage and lighting (in terms ofvisibility and admission of natural light). Where asCity By-laws controls hours of use (dusk-til-dawn),presence of open fires, By-law enforcement, andcontact authorities.

For reasons of safety, pedestrian and bike trails maywish to avoid long unbroken and secluded segments,with limited access points, and blind corners. Thesecan make users feel vulnerable and discourages theiruse of the trails. Visual or active supervision of thetrials is also a key concern, especially for theprotection of female users.

New trails should be located to leave certain areas(such as river points) undisturbed and insteadprovide small spur lines in place of the main trailthrough these areas. This can help to improve site

lines for users, which also improves safety.

Lighting along trails and related areas is a keyconsideration with respect to user safety. Fixtureselection and lighting levels need carefulconsideration. Light fixtures need to be durable andresistant to vandalism. Illumination levels need to behigh enough for user safety, but not so bright as toscare away wildlife.


The Seine River Greenway is faced by a variety ofchallenges, both nature and man-made, whichthreaten the health and sustainability of the river, itsadjacent riverbanks and immediate uplands. Each ofthese offers unique and serious challenges to thelong-term health and sustainability of the river.Where possible some initial steps have been taken,however more is required to adequately address thethreats posed.

Beavers

It is estimated at present there are between 50-100beavers along the Seine River Greenway. The absenceof natural predators from the area has removednatural checks and balances on the beaverpopulation, allowing it to continue to grow. Thecurrent beaver population in the greenway takes aheavy toll on the mature trees lining the banks of theriver, which are felled by them for construction oftheir dams and dens. The problem this poses issignificant and rated from moderate to high inimportance with respect the success and health ofthe greenway.

The canopies of mature trees in addition to providingshade and habitat for other animals in the greenway,help to stabilize the riverbanks and protect it fromerosion. Removal of large numbers of mature treestherefore negatively impacts the greenway and theanimal habitat it can provide. Planting of new youngtrees, though important, does not immediatelymake-up for the loss of older mature trees. This canonly be remedied by time.

Wrapping the base of trees with stucco wire is aneffective means of protecting them against beavers.Community volunteers have undertaken thewrapping of older mature trees; approximately onehundred fifty have been wrapped so far. An audit ofthe area’s trees is needed to identify those ofsignificance requiring immediate protection.However, given the overall length of the Seine RiverGreenway and the number of trees that would needto be wrapped, this is not a practical solution to theproblem. Simply dismantling beaver dams is nosolution either. Rather it causes the destruction ofadditional trees as beavers construct new dams. Anupdated estimate on the beaver population isrequired for an accurate picture on the extent of theproblem. At present removal of beavers throughdiscrete trapping is the only effective of alleviatingthis problem.

Dutch Elm Disease

Dutch elm disease is a major environmental concernfor the greenway. Though chemical treatments doexist for protecting uninfected trees, these areexpensive and difficult to administer on a large scale.At present, there is no treatment or cure for treesinfected with the disease. Removal of infected woodis the only means of addressing the problem. Earlydetection of infection is therefore critical tocontaining the spread of the disease. Preventativemeasures such as tree banding by volunteers hasbeen carried out in the past. To be effective suchmeasures require an on going effort, both for thebanding of trees in mid-September and removal ofthe bands in mid-May. The city of Winnipeg hasassisted through the public information campaigns.Reliance on volunteers for on going tree banding mayprove problematic as the greenway expands in size.

Invasive Species

The preservation and restoration of existing naturalhabitat is challenged by invasive species, such asPurple Loosestrife and European Buckthorn. As theyare foreign to the region, there are no native insectsto check their advance. The hardiness of suchspecies typically makes it difficult, though notimpossible, to eradicate them from infected areasonce they become established. Where publicresource are not available, local volunteers can beused to respond these problems. The City ofWinnipeg and Ducks Unlimited Canada havepublished information pamphlets to make groupsaware both of the problem and the proper correctiveapproaches.

Development

New development along the greenway needs to becarried out in such a way as to avoid further damageto river habitat. Where new development along theriver must occur, it needs to be done as sensitively aspossible and should ideally take place on previouslydeveloped lands. In this way the potential negativeimpact is minimized.

Riverbank Stabilization

Several locations within the current study area andalong the length of the greenway show signs ofriverbank failure. This is a result of natural erosion ofthe bank over time. Riverbank restoration efforts areinvolve and expensive undertakings. Efforts tostabilize the riverbank against failure have been

Existing Challenges to Greenway Habitat


undertaken by means of active tree plantingprograms.

Water Management

Maintaining a minimal water level in the Seine Riverfor navigation by canoes and small boats isproblematic at present. The diversion of waters fromthe Seine River Basin for economic development andlocal flooding protection has negatively impacted theriver’s water level and quality. During years with lowprecipitation the river running dry and river habitatand fish populations suffer. The diversion of waterlargely takes place outside of the city, beyond thejurisdiction of the municipal government. Efforts tochange existing diversions require support from theprovincial government.

The community group Save Our Seine, with thesupport of government, has organized theconstruction of riffles in the river in response to thissituation. Riffles are artificial stone structures thatact as dams and mimic the effect of rapids. In thisway they help to raise river water levels, dissolveoxygen into the water and provide a continuousmigration route for fish. The deeper pools of watercreated by the riffles have lower water temperaturesfor better fish habitat. Expansion of the riffle systemis to proceed as resources become available. SaveOur Seine has also proposed nine additional artificialspawning beds for the improvement of subsurfacehabitat.


All Visions and Action Plans rely on the interest andinvolvement of stakeholders and the buildingmomentum to realize its implementation. The soonera vision garners interest and support, the sooner it islikely to achieve completion. The same can beexpected for the Seine River Greenway. It isimportant to identify and capitalize on opportunitiesto attract stakeholder interest. The Seine RiverGreenway in general and the area of Old St. Bonifaceaddressed by the current study in particular offersome unique opportunities to do so.

Every February Old St. Boniface plays host to theFestival du Voyageur winter festival. Outdoor eventsfor the festival are typically focused around FortGibraltar’s facilities in Whittier Park, west of theSeine greenway, along the Red River. Select festivalevents held along or adjacent to the greenway, suchas the annual dog sled races, could serve to raisepublic awareness of its presence and interest in itssustainability and development.

St. Boniface has historically been home to the city’sFranco-Manitoban community, pre-dating the City ofWinnipeg in its current entity. The community’scoming Bicentennial will offer an opportunity tohighlight the presence of St. Boniface withinWinnipeg and spotlight the unique qualities of thegreenway, especially at its intersection with thecommercial strip of Boulevard Provencher.

Mention has also already been made of the presenceof several culturally and historically significant sitesalong the greenway. The most notable of which is theParc Lagimodière Gaboury. These sites offerpotential points of departure for future developmentof park and interpretive facilities. Visitors drawn tothem may then explore and appreciate the beauty ofthe Seine River.

An additional opportunity exists where lands are inthe hands of industrial owners. The possibility ofapproaching such owners to discuss th potential oftheir selling their lands along the riverbank to thecity should be examined further. Should thesebusiness choose to relocate sometime in the futureselling of these lands for residential developmentwould be a natural outcome. By the selling of thisland to the city, these landowners may realizesavings in property tax and insurance premiums. Asthese lands enter into the city’s possession, the sizeand continuity of the public reserve along the riverincreases, making the creation of established trailsalong the river more achievable.

Opportunities for Development


Save Our Seine

A community based stewardship group whosemandate is to protect, preserve and enhance theSeine River Environment within the City of Winnipeg

Greenway

A linear open space connecting parks, naturepreserves, and cultural and historical sites with eachother, and with developed, populated areas. Thegreenway may contain formal elements to providealternative transportation routes for pedestrians andbicyclists, or it may be total undeveloped.

Naturalization

The process of encouraging a landscape to return tonatural state-prairie grasslands, wildflowers,wetlands and forests native to its region.

Glossary


List of reports, studies, publications and websitesreviewed as part of the information gatheringprocess:

Seine River Greenway Study, 2000

Seine River Stability Characterization, 1994

Hydrological and hydraulic modeling of flows andlevels of the Seine River, 1996

An assessment of vegetation and wildlife habitatquality for the Seine River Parkway, 1995

Seine River Interpretive Trail; A feasibility anddesign study, 1995

Seine River Park Study, 1980

Bois des Esprits Park Plan, 2001

IPEG 2020 Vision, City of Winnipeg,

Crime prevention through environmental design,City of Victoria, Amended 2004

City of Winnipeg; Public Works – Naturalization inWinnipeg

www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/parks/Naturalization.asp

Waterfront Living; Safeguard your Health and Wealth

www.livingbywater.ca

National Trials training Partnershipwww.americantrails.org/resources/greenways/NPSintroGrnwy.html

Save Our Seine

www.saveourseine.com

Pamphlets:

Dutch Elm Disease, Province of Manitoba

European Buckthorn, City of Winnipeg

Health tips for Healthy Streams, Government ofCanada

Purple Loosestrife in Western Canada, DucksUnlimited Canada

Tree Banding, City of Winnipeg

Literature Review


The following is a list of organizations andgovernmental departments identified asstakeholders that will be asked to feedback as part ofthe Vision process used to formulate an Action Plan.

PRINCIPAL STAKEHOLDERS

Save Our Seine

City of Winnipeg:

Planning, Property and Development Dept

Water and Waste Dept.

Riverbank Management Dept

City Forestry Dept.

City Naturalist

Parks and Recreation

Comm Services Dept. – Splash Dash Water Taxi

Government Representatives (Federal, Provincial andMunicipal)

St. Boniface Residents Association

List of Stakeholders


ADDITIONAL STAKEHOLDERS

Festival du Voyageur;

Entreprises Riel;

CDEM;

IKO;

Societe-Franco-Manitobaine;

Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba;

Belgian Club

Norwood Grove Biz

Masion Grabielle Roy

Winnipeg Trial Association

Prairie Pathfinders

Paddle Manitoba

Marion School

Northern Soul Wilderness Adventure

Winnipeg Urban Angler Partnership

Manitoba Organization of Disc Sports

Shakespeare in the Ruins

Appendix C:Exit Survey; Summary of Stakeholder Feedback



Strengths of the Seine River Greenway (attributes, features, etc)Nature: High quality riparian environment within urban setting

Diverse animal and plant lifeImproved cleanliness

Trails: Ideal walking/hiking pathsPromotes physical activity and family participationScenic commute to downtown

History Rich in French-Canadian and Metis CultureWater ActivityCanoeing

Weaknesses of the Seine River Greenway (what is lacking to meet its potential)Pollution: Open sewers

Raw sewageGarbage Contamination/litter

Restricted areas Too much private property restricting access to river (C.O.W. to purchase)Disjointed trail system (nimby)No safe rail crossingsNot enough river crossing pointsNot enough portals to trail system/river access

Water Levels Low levelsNot completely navigateable - MappingStagnant

Lack of awareness Presence unknownSafety Inadequate lighting (trails) (nodes)

Needs “Blue Light” panic alarmEncourage users – use mile marker postings (Orient and locate)Presence of homeless

Opportunities of the Seine River Greenway (what elements need to be developed)Festival du Voyaguer Integrated into winter activities/festivitiesHistory/Culture Trails could contribute to French Canadian interpretation

Link to major Franco-Manitobain sites (Cathedral,Maison Gabrielle Roy)Integrate more Belgian-Manitoban history

Bridges Unite communities across riverImprove water levels and flowTrails Improve access (portals)

Preservation of natural elementsImprove trail qualityBetter lightingLink to other trail systems and to the forks

Rickshaw serviceBonfire pits in formal parks on a site-by-site consideration basis (where to get wood supply)

Threats to the Seine River Greenway (given its sensitive nature, what are the threats or harms that need obe addressed or that will need to be considered in future development)?Development Industrial – right to water

Commercial – TruckingResidential – excessive human traffic

Water Floodway diverts too much of the waterflowLow water levelsFlooding

Lack of money & commitmentPollution Raw sewageCrime Vandalism

Vagrancy (loitering/partying/living in woods)Assault & robberies

Which issue of the project are of particular significance to you?Trails Long and connected

Accessibility (portals)SignageRiver crossingsSafe rail crossingsSafety (crime-prevention)

Floodway Improved water flowHistory Represent Belgian history

Link to Ft Gibralter & Old St. BonifaceNatureNaturalization of developments

Protection of habitat & ecosystemClean-up

CanoeingResidential development

Which items have not been addressed and need to be incorporated into the research?Crossing Provencher Bvld.Floodway effectsWaterflow & levelsAccessibilityNaturalizationSignageBelgian HistoryLink to Ft. Gibraltar, Old St. Boniface & the ForksGreenway promotionSewage Pollution Clean-up of industrial wasteNIMBYCanker worm infestation (no budget – do not do control in natural areas; do not manipulatewildlifecycle; no spraying along the river)


Which initiative that you are aware of should be incorporated into the researchDog friendly areas so animals are not destroying habitatLink between East & West side of riverPortal behind IGA

Which projects does your group have in planning that should be incorporated into this studyDiscover the Seine in the Winter Hike (10-15 km) – Jan 13, 07 from Hindu Centre, St. Annes RdPreservation/Improvement of waterflowDesignated bond fire areaVehicular access


Appendix D:Exit Survey Collected Responses; Stakeholder Feedback

October 19, 2006 Vision Session


Respondants:PP: Prairie Pathfinders Inc., Susan Leathers – 284-1652Res.Duf: Resident-Dufresne, Will Milne – 233-3150/[email protected]: Save Our Seine, Suzanne Gessler – 284-7670 [email protected] : Save Our Seine, David D. Venema – 256-0341SOSdd: Save Our Seine, Denis DePape – [email protected] : Save Our Seine, Sandy Gessler – 256-9205SOStr: Save Our Seine, Tammy Rutherford – 254-5766

Strengths of the Seine River Greenway (attributes, features, etc)PPScale: Small river, very shelteredPerfect winter walkwayRes-DufViable Habitat for preservation/restorationSOSsgFrench Canadian culturenature in an urban environment (flora & fauna)Gets individuals & families active and interested in becoming stewardsSOSddHigh quality riparian areaPaths along SeineProximity to historic St. BonifaceCentre of Belgian Manitoba historyGaboury-Lagimodier ParkImportant sites in Metis HistorySOSsdgContribution to human health, mental & physicalNice natural beautyArea for walking, hikingWildlife appreciationSOStr:Natural habitat – feeling of being in the middle of nowhere

Weaknesses of the Seine River Greenway (what is lacking to meet its potential)PPOpen storm sewersGaps: where private lands are not open to the publicSOSsgLow water, pollution, developments that do not respect the greenwaySOSdvToo much private property restricting continuation of trailSOSddLack of crossing across the river to ArchibaldUnsafe rail crossingNo portal to path south of MarionLack of awareness of this area in Winnipeg


SOStr:Sewage runoff – garbage contamination etc. – needs cleaningContinuation of trailsWaterway not completely navigateable

Opportunities of the Seine River Greenway (what elements need to be developed)PPWinter parkway that could be used by Festival du VoyaguerSOSsgPlans should contribute to the “French Quarter”Trails play up the French Canadian cultureBeautiful BridgesSOSdvWater levels to be controlledSOSddInterpret history of Belgians in Manitoba, this is the main area where Belgians settled in Winnipeg –Belgian Club, Belgian Church Graveyard, Houses on DesautelsLink to key Franco-Manitoban sites on Cathedrale, Maison Gabrielle –RoyRiver crossing around George ForestSOSsdgHistoric SitesNatural featuresTrail access pointsSOStr:TrailsWalking bridgeCanoe route (unobstructed)

Threats to the Seine River Greenway (given its sensitive nature, what are the threats or harms that need to beaddressed or that will need to be considered in future development)Res.DufDevelopment / Industrial ImpactsSOSsgDevelopments that threaten the river (residential, commercial, industrial & institutional)NIMBYSOSdvThe flow of the river too much water being diverted from it’s headwatersSyphon at floodway limits levels has been repaired. SOS wanted all wter to flow through. Change it backand you just get more floodwater events – not raised seasonal levels.Golf courses pumping irrigation water from Seine River to greens.SOSddIndustrial development right to waterTrucking businesses on PlinquetBank failureLack of funding to develop needed paths, portals, safety measuresSOSsdgMany: Lack of money and commitmentWaterflow problems


SOStr:PVW (Pembina Valley Water Diversion)/Floodway

Which issue of the project are of particular significance to you?PPLong connected pathwaysSOSsgProtecting habitat – work with the river & greenwaySOSddPedestrian river crossingPath portalsMaking rail area crossing safer350 acre zone for riparian habitatConnecting Whittier Park to Happyland Park through trail networkSOSsdgWalking pathsPreservation of eco-systemSOStr:Keeping the Greenway as natural as possibleAcquiring riverbankSafety

Which items have not been addressed and need to be incorporated into the research?PPPassage along the Seine under the Provencher BridgeSOSsgImpact of the floodwayNIMBYAccessibilityNaturalization of developments so they do not affect the greenwaySignageSOSddBelgian historyLink to Fort Gibraltar & Old St. Boniface historic areaSOSsdgHow to promote the greenway after it is developed so it is used well and in a non-destructive waySOStr:Clean up of what appears to be old industrial waste of dumping – ie. oil drums

Which initiative that you are aware of should be incorporated into the research?SOSsgDog friendly areas so animals aren’t destroying habitatSOSddNew link between east & west side of riverPortal behind IGA


Which projects does your group have in planning that should be incorporated into this study?PPJanuary 13, 2007 “Discover the Seine in the Winter Hike” hike from Hindu Centre on St, Annes Rd.10-15 kmSOSsgAll (or most of our projects have the potential to impact this planning)SOSsdgPreservation/improvement of waterflow



Appendix E:Exit Survey Collected Responses; Stakeholder Feedback

November 13, 2006 Vision Session

Respondants:ADRrr: Association des Résidents du Vieux Saint-Boniface, Robert Roy – 233-3616ADRbl: Association des Résidents du Vieux Saint-Boniface, Bob LafremereADReb: Association des Résidents du Vieux Saint-Boniface, Erin Bockstael

– [email protected]: Association des Résidents du Vieux Saint-Boniface, Theressa Francois – 233-1825DM : Denis Marion – 237-6636Misc: (Unsigned)

Strengths of the Seine River Greenway (attributes, features, etc)ADRebOpportunity for residents for physical activityQuality of lifeCan allow residents to walk all the way downtownBeautiful natural AreaADRtfAbundance of wildlifeA lot cleaner than it used to be – Bravo S.O.S.!DMNice for canoeingMisc.Green spaceTrails

Weaknesses of the Seine River Greenway (what is lacking to meet its potential)ADRblLack of waterflowToo stagnantRaw SewageADRebMaintenanceLightingSafety issues, needs a “blue light” security system, like U of MNeeds garbage cans/pick-upDMArea for HomelessMisc.Lighting on trails

Opportunities of the Seine River Greenway (what elements need to be developed)ADRrrPathwaysBridgesResidential LightingADRblWaterwaysRickshawsADRebTie-ins to other pathsystems, esp Forks


ADRtfBridge building – tip of Youville St. with Kavanaugh ParkMisc.More access points

Threats to the Seine River Greenway (given its sensitive nature, what are the threats or harms that need o beaddressed or that will need to be considered in future development)ADRrrProtect existing wildlife and natureADRblRaw sewageLow water levelsADRebVandalismFloodingCrimeVagrancy (people partying/living in the woodsRaw sewageADRtfExcessive human traffic

Which issue of the project are of particular significance to youADRrrResidentialRiver access for canoeingADRblClean/tidy river banksDMResidentialMisc.Personal safety on the trails (homeless or shady characters linger on the trails)

Which items have not been addressed and need to be incorporated into the researchADRblTie-in with the Forks walkwayADRebCanker worms – paths awful last year – how can infestations be controlled

Which initiative that you are aware of should be incorporated into the researchADRrrWaterwaysADRblStop raw sewage from entering the river

Which projects does your group have in planning that should be incorporated into this studyDMAreas for bond fireAccess by car


Documents

Seine River Greenway: Vision & Action Plan Reach 1: Red River to