Winnipeggers know how to enjoy their city in all seasons, but I always look forward to spending beautiful spring days outdoors. Part of what makes spring in Winnipeg such a wonderful time to be out with family and friends is the wealth of neighborhood parks and green spaces that we have in the city.

Some of my favourite things to do in the spring include buying local Manitoba produce at the Le Marche Saint-Norbert Farmers’ Market, hiking a trail, or even taking a quick walk in one of our many parks in south Winnipeg.

Winnipeg’s parks are gathering places for our communities. Bridgewater Forest Trails’ many pathways through beautiful meadows and lakes are ideal for long walks with family. St. Norbert residents have an abundance of green spaces in their neighborhood, with the Henri Boux Park and St. Norbert Provincial Heritage Park within walking distance of many of their homes. Pollock Island Park by the La Salle and Red rivers, a hidden gem in our riding that is tucked away in St. Norbert, is perfect for folks who enjoy birdwatching in spring.

But it’s not just St. Norbert residents who have beautiful parks in their neighborhood. Let’s not forget King’s Park, the largest park in the Fort Richmond neighborhood!

Henteleff Park, with its native plants and walking paths, and La Barrière Park, by the banks of the La Salle River, are not just scenic areas where we can enjoy nature, but are also spaces where the story of Manitoba has been written. They have a rich history of Indigenous peoples, the Mètis and other communities working together to preserve this land, that we now enjoy with our families.

When I work with the many dedicated volunteers to plant trees at the Annual Spring Tree-Planting at Henteleff Park, or take a walk through our historic La Barrière Park, I am reminded of Canada’s immense natural beauty, and how important it is to take positive action to preserve our neighborhood parks for our children and grandchildren.

Budget 2018 is making a historic investment in nature conservation, totaling $1.3 billion over five years, which includes a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not-for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. This legacy preserves our green spaces and parks, not just in Winnipeg and Manitoba, but across Canada.