Henteleff Park is a natural greenspace in our community that runs along the eastern bank of the Red River in St. Vital and is home to over 150 different species of songbirds, plants, fish and wildlife.
The park was originally homesteaded by the Henteleff family, who immigrated to Canada in 1924 and bought the 40 acres, where they established a market garden.

The family began selling their produce from a small stand on St. Mary’s Road and became the first Jewish market gardeners in Western Canada. Their years spent building their garden operation were filled with challenges overcome by hard work, and dedication to building a better life for their family. The Henteleff family’s rich history reflects the openness, diversity and promise of Canada, and resonates with the many families who have immigrated to Winnipeg and chosen our community as their home.

Today, Henteleff Park is a peaceful sanctuary for birds, fish and other species to grow, and remains a serene, quiet space for our community to enjoy. The park continues to be operated by the Henteleff Park Foundation, which has worked tirelessly to protect this natural oasis. They have planted trees and shrubs, upgraded their walking trails, and have protected the natural fish habitats in the Normand Creek.

The Henteleff Foundation continues to build on its commitment to being stewards of the land, with plans to restore and expand the forest, improve their many trails, and repair parts of the Normand Creek.

The foundation has also worked hard to build an interpretive centre to highlight the park’s history, which dates back to the first Métis families that settled in the area in 1812. This year, the foundation will continue with these enhancement projects with the help of four young people in our community who have been hired as part of the Canada Summer Jobs program.

This summer, I’m encouraging everyone to take some time to explore the many different outdoor, natural spaces in our community.

Although the current circumstances we find ourselves in are unexpected, this unique time serves as an opportunity to visit and appreciate the many parks, trails and green areas that surround us right here at home.

As we spend time in our neighbourhood parks, let us remind ourselves of the important work that lies ahead in protecting nature and our environment for generations to come.

As seen in the Sou'Wester on July 31, 2020: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/souwester/correspondent/Henteleff-Park-a-jewel-of-our-area-571922431.html