Taking a quick walk in one of the many parks in south Winnipeg has been one of my favourite things to do this summer. Recently, I spent some time in a hidden gem in our riding of Winnipeg South. Tucked away in St. Norbert, Pollock Island Park lies between the La Salle River on the west and the Red River on the east.

The Park is a favourite for hikers, birdwatchers, and members of the community who want to spend some time in nature and enjoy the view of the La Salle flowing into the Red. Pollock Island Park is on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Assiniboine, Cree and the homelands of the Métis people. The 16-acre Pollock property was donated to the City of Winnipeg by entrepreneur Iris Pollock, in memory of her husband Edward and his mother Tina Pollock, who had originally purchased the land from the parish of St. Norbert in 1945. The park land forms an island whenever the waters of the La Salle and the Red Rivers flood in spring.

Two plaques in the park tell us about the origins of the land, which is rich in Manitoba history. Our original peoples as far back as c. 6000 B.C. have left behind evidence of their way of life, such as tools and bits of pottery. The area was a regular meeting place and often, camping ground, for fur traders, including the North West Company fur trader Alexander Henry and his brigade, who would later go on to build a trading post on the Red River.

Parks like Pollock Island in St. Norbert are not just spaces where we can enjoy nature, but also areas 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. Thanks to the generosity of the Pollock family, Winnipeggers can enjoy the park space and explore the outdoors. It is important to preserve these neighborhood parks, as well as Canada’s immense natural beauty. Whether it’s building a campfire with our kids, hiking with friends and family, or swimming in cool, clean waters, spending time in nature and protecting our environment is important to us all. That’s why I am pleased that our federal government has made significant investments to protect our air, water, and natural areas for our children and grandchildren.