Design and Process 

The Urban Seine River Greenway constitutes a mixture of naturalized open public greenspace, parks and historical sites that are connected by the river. Each year, the not-for-profit Save our Seine (SOS) plants native trees, shrubs, plants and forbs to enhance and replenish the greenway and provide habitat for local species.  The organization serves as the “eyes on the river” passing on information on issues arising along the river to present to the City and educating the public. 

Through the involvement of community volunteers, the organization removes and controls the spread of invasive species. Each summer, the organization hires river keepers who team up with volunteers to remove garbage (including tires, shopping carts,needles, etc.) dumped in the river and along the shoreline. The organization works closely with the City of Winnipeg’s Naturalists department to plant native species. It also provides training to summer youth teams and volunteers on the planting of trees, shrubs and forbs, and weeding of noxious plants. In 2021, the organization launched a pilot citizen science initiative to enlist people on the ground to collect data and identify species living and visiting the greenway. A growing number of volunteers participate in regular weekly events and educational activities. 

SOS led a large advocacy campaign with OURS Winnipeg in the spring of 2021 to ensure further protections to the area and the entire greenspace in and around Winnipeg. This involved advocating for inclusion of policy changes in the City’s proposed OurWinnipeg 2045 plan. SOS works closely with the province, federal government and the City of Winnipeg and its work aligns with these levels of government. 

For more information, visit https://www.saveourseine.com/